This tortellini dish is a colorful mix of yummy pasta and fresh sautéed vegetables. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for any meal!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a bowl of pasta loaded with vibrant veggies? I often make this when I want something healthy but easy to whip up—no fuss, just fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Using cheese tortellini brings a wonderful richness to the dish. You can also try spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini for different flavors. If you want a lighter option, look for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.
Zucchini: Zucchini adds a lovely texture. If you don’t have any, try yellow squash or even chopped broccoli instead. They both work wonderfully in this recipe!
Bell Pepper: The color of the bell pepper affects the flavor. Red peppers are sweeter, while green ones are more bitter. Feel free to use either or even a mix! If peppers aren’t available, you can substitute with diced carrots or asparagus.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes burst with flavor! If they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes can be a good alternative. Just be sure to drain them well before adding.
Corn: You can use either fresh or frozen corn here. If you want to adjust for allergies, use peas instead for a different pop of sweetness.
How Do I Get the Vegetables Perfectly Sautéed?
Sautéing vegetables can transform their flavors, but timing is key! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning. You’ll get nice caramelization without too much browning.
- Typically, begin with harder veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften a bit before adding garlic.
- Add garlic last to prevent burning, cooking for just a minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma.
- Finally, add quicker-cooking ingredients like cherry tomatoes and corn, and stir for 3-4 minutes for best results!
By following these tips, your sautéed veggies will be colorful, tasty, and perfectly cooked!
How to Make Tortellini With Sautéed Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take about 20 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and about 10 minutes for cooking. That’s quick and easy enough for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the cheese tortellini. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente (cooked but still firm). After cooking, drain the tortellini and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the tortellini is cooking, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced zucchini and bell pepper. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and get a nice color.
3. Add Garlic and More Vegetables:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell the wonderful garlic aroma. Then toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and corn, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly.
4. Combine Everything Together:
It’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Gently toss everything to combine. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if you want a bit more flavor.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once everything is mixed well, take it off the heat and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve your warm tortellini dish in bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook the frozen tortellini according to the package instructions without thawing them first. They’ll be just as delicious and save you some prep time!
What If I Don’t Have Some Vegetables on Hand?
No worries! You can easily substitute with any vegetables you like or have available. Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms would work great in this dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so all veggies are tender.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep them from drying out.
Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would make excellent additions. Just cook the protein separately and mix it in with the tortellini and vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking.
