One Pot Creamy Garlic Tortellini with Spinach

Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Tortellini with Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 9 ounces cheese tortellini; 4 cups fresh spinach; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Effortless Cooking Creations

I absolutely adore making One Pot Creamy Garlic Tortellini with Spinach! It's a dish that combines rich flavors with simple preparation, all in just one pot. The creaminess of the sauce, infused with garlic and paired with tender tortellini and fresh spinach, delivers a satisfying meal that’s ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe allows us to enjoy a wonderful dinner without extensive clean-up. Join me in whipping up this pasta delight that the whole family will love!

Created by

Lina

Last updated on 2026-02-16T15:54:20.017Z

When I first made this One Pot Creamy Garlic Tortellini with Spinach, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. The key is to use fresh ingredients, particularly the garlic and spinach, which truly elevate the dish. I love how the tortellini soaks up the creamy sauce while still holding its shape, and the addition of spinach adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because of its simplicity and delightful taste. I found that adding the spinach during the last few minutes of cooking ensures it retains its vibrant color and texture. It’s these little tips that make a dish not only beautiful but also delicious!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that envelopes every tortellini
Quick, one-pot preparation for easy cleanup
Nutrient-rich spinach that adds a touch of freshness

The Creaminess Factor

One of the standout features of this One Pot Creamy Garlic Tortellini is its rich, velvety sauce. The combination of heavy cream and vegetable broth creates a luxurious texture that beautifully clings to each tortellini. When heated, the cream thickens slightly, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the dish. To achieve this perfect creaminess, ensure that you stir continuously after adding the broth and cream—this helps in preventing any uneven cooking or burning at the bottom of the pot.

The garlic plays a crucial role in elevating the flavor profile of the sauce. Its aromatic nature, when sautéed in olive oil, releases essential oils that infuse the cream with a delightful essence. I recommend using fresh garlic for the best taste; pre-minced varieties can lack that vibrant pungency. If you want to experiment, try roasting the garlic beforehand for a sweeter, mellower flavor that complements the creaminess even more.

Spinach: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Adding fresh spinach not only complements the dish's flavors but also packs it with nutrients. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and magnesium. Its mild taste allows it to blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dish without overpowering it. Be sure to add the spinach towards the end of the cooking process; this wilts the leaves just enough to retain their vibrant color and some of their crunch.

If you’re not a fan of spinach, consider substituting with other greens like kale or Swiss chard. However, keep in mind that these greens may need a slightly longer cooking time to soften. For a brighter color contrast, you could also include cherry tomatoes during the final cooking stage—just add them along with the spinach for a pop of freshness and acidity.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
9 ounces cheese tortellini
4 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Sauté the Garlic

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add Broth and Cream

Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Cook the Tortellini

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, typically around 5-7 minutes.

Stir in Spinach

Once the tortellini is cooked, fold in the fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a bit of heat.

Make-Ahead Tips

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Tortellini is surprisingly suitable for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the tortellini and sauce in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers. When you're ready to eat, simply heat the sauce in a pot while cooking the tortellini according to package instructions. This method keeps the tortellini from becoming overly soggy and helps maintain the creaminess of the sauce.

If you want to make larger batches, feel free to double the ingredients. Just ensure you use a sufficiently large pot to accommodate everything, and you may need to adjust cooking times slightly as larger quantities take longer to heat through.

Storing and Reheating

After enjoying this delicious meal, you may have leftovers which can be refrigerated for up to three days. Store the creamy tortellini in an airtight container to preserve freshness. When reheating, consider adding a splash of vegetable broth or a bit of cream to help revive the sauce, as it can thicken upon cooling. Gentle reheating over low heat is best to prevent separating the cream.

Freezing is another option if you want to extend the shelf life. However, you might find that the texture of the cream may change upon thawing. For the best results, freeze the tortellini and sauce separately, and reheat as mentioned above to ensure optimum quality.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Just increase the cooking time slightly as per the package instructions.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free tortellini.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add in cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for more color and flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.