Creamy Tortellini with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe

Creamy Tortellini with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe

Creamy Tortellini with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe: Rich, Cheesy & Comforting Dish

I just made this incredibly satisfying creamy tortellini dish last week, and I’m still thinking about how perfectly everything came together in just one pan.

The combination of tender cheese-filled pasta, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach swimming in a rich, garlicky cream sauce feels like a restaurant-quality meal that I whipped up on a weeknight. What I love most is how the tortellini cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those amazing flavors while making cleanup a breeze.

The best part is watching the fresh spinach wilt into the creamy mixture, adding both color and nutrition to this comfort food masterpiece. I’ve made this recipe countless times now, and it never fails to impress both my family and dinner guests.

Creamy Tortellini with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – Use extra virgin for the best flavor and to help sauté the vegetables perfectly
  • 1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness and helps create a beautiful golden base for your aromatics
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped – Sweet onions like Vidalia work best and won’t overpower the dish
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced – These baby bellas have more flavor than white button mushrooms
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is essential; avoid pre-minced for the best taste
    1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A quality herb blend makes all the difference in flavor depth
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth – Low-sodium works best so you can control the salt level yourself
  • 1 cup heavy cream – Don’t substitute with milk as it won’t create the same rich, silky texture
  • 2 (9-ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini – Fresh pasta cooks faster and tastes better than frozen
  • 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach – Never use frozen spinach as it will make the dish watery
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Pre-grated doesn’t melt as smoothly as fresh

Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously as a main course or 6 people as a side dish.

Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. If you want to add protein, consider incorporating cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or crispy bacon bits. For a lighter option, replace half the heavy cream with low-sodium chicken broth and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Wine lovers can substitute the chicken broth with dry white wine for added sophistication. To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste.

Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

  • Large deep skillet or sauté pan – Essential for cooking everything in one pan and accommodating all ingredients
  • Sharp chef’s knife – For efficiently chopping onions and slicing mushrooms
  • Cutting board – Preferably wood or bamboo for easy vegetable prep
  • Garlic press or microplane – Makes mincing garlic quick and effortless
  • Wooden spoon or spatula – Perfect for stirring without scratching your pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for best results

How to Make Creamy Tortellini with Spinach and Mushrooms

This one-pan wonder starts with building layers of flavor through proper sautéing techniques. The key to success lies in taking your time with each step to develop deep, rich flavors. Don’t rush the process, as each stage contributes to the final delicious result.

Prepare Your Base Aromatics

Heat the olive oil and butter in your large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to foam slightly. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This creates the flavor foundation that will support all the other ingredients beautifully.

Add the Mushrooms and Seasonings

Add the sliced cremini mushrooms, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pan with the softened onions. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning while allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve shrunk down and developed a lovely golden-brown color.

Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add both packages of tortellini directly to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the liquid, then cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the tortellini to cook through while the sauce reduces.

Finish with Greens and Cheese

Remove the lid and stir the mixture gently – you’ll notice the tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully. Add the fresh spinach and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until it wilts completely into the creamy sauce. Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a silky, cohesive sauce.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

  • I always make sure to slice my mushrooms evenly so they cook at the same rate and develop that perfect golden color
  • When I add the garlic, I keep the heat at medium to prevent it from burning, which would make the dish taste bitter
  • I’ve learned that letting the tortellini cook undisturbed for the full 5 minutes helps the sauce thicken properly from the pasta’s starch
  • I always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end, adding salt and black pepper as needed since the Parmesan adds saltiness
  • I keep some extra cream on hand in case the sauce becomes too thick – a splash brings it back to the perfect consistency

How to Serve Creamy Tortellini with Spinach and Mushrooms

This dish looks stunning when served in individual shallow bowls, allowing the colorful ingredients to shine against the creamy white sauce. Garnish each serving with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an elegant finishing touch. 

Creamy Tortellini with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe

For a restaurant-style presentation, add a few fresh basil leaves or a small drizzle of good olive oil on top. Serve immediately while hot with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks on the side. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette makes an excellent accompaniment that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving when the recipe serves 4 people:

  • Calories: 580 calories per serving, making it a satisfying main course
  • Protein: 22 grams from the cheese tortellini and Parmesan cheese
  • Carbohydrates: 45 grams primarily from the pasta with some from vegetables
  • Fat: 36 grams from the cream, cheese, and cooking fats for rich flavor

Make Ahead and Storage

  • Refrigerating: Store leftover tortellini in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce over time, making it less creamy but still delicious.
  • Reheating: Warm the leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore the original creamy consistency if the sauce has thickened too much.
  • Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the cream sauce may separate and the pasta texture becomes mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it for optimal taste and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.

  • One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup time and more time enjoying your delicious meal with family or friends.
  • Quick Weeknight Solution: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules while still delivering an impressive, homemade dinner.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt this base recipe with different vegetables, proteins, or seasonings to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
  • Budget-Friendly Elegance: Using simple, affordable ingredients, this dish creates an upscale dining experience without breaking the bank or requiring specialty items.
  • Crowd-Pleaser Appeal: The combination of creamy sauce, cheese-filled pasta, and familiar vegetables makes this recipe a hit with both adults and children alike.

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