Description
A vibrant celebration of spring produce featuring tender three-cheese tortellini, crisp asparagus, and sweet green peas in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. This light yet indulgent meal comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for an effortless yet special weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 9 oz three-cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 cup fresh asparagus (1-inch pieces)
- 3/4 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 small yellow onion (thinly sliced), 2 cloves garlic (pressed)
- 2 tbsp oil, salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Pasta: Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Aromatics & Veggies: Heat oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion until soft. Add asparagus and peas; sauté until asparagus begins to soften. Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper and cook for 5 mins.
Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring. Add shaved Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.
Combine: Fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 mins to heat through. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t Overcook: Prepare the tortellini just to al dente. It will finish cooking slightly in the cream sauce, which prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
The ‘Pasta Water’ Trick: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water. The starch helps the sauce maintain a silky texture and cling better to the tortellini.
Garlic Tip: Pressing the garlic directly into the pan releases its essential oils immediately, ensuring a more uniform flavor profile throughout the cream base.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 540
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 16
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: creamy spring tortellini, 20 minute pasta, asparagus and pea pasta, cheese tortellini recipes, spring vegetable pasta