Description
Tomato Sauce Tortellini with Ricotta & Basil
This comforting tortellini dish is smothered in rich tomato sauce and topped with creamy ricotta cheese, making it a perfect, satisfying meal. The fresh basil adds a burst of flavor to every bite!
Ingredients:
8 oz cheese tortellini
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
Cook the Tortellini: Boil the tortellini in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish: Place the cooked tortellini on a plate. Pour the warmed tomato sauce over the pasta.
Top with Ricotta: Add dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the pasta and sauce. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper.
Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Serve immediately and enjoy this rich and creamy pasta dish!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect plate of Tomato Sauce Tortellini.
- Boil Water: Fill a medium pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the 8 oz of cheese tortellini to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat Sauce: While the pasta cooks, pour 1 cup of tomato sauce into a saucepan. Warm it gently over medium-low heat. For a richer, silkier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water.
- Combine: Add the drained tortellini directly to the saucepan with the warm tomato sauce. Gently toss for 1-2 minutes so the pasta is fully coated and absorbs some flavor.
- Plate & Top: Transfer the saucy tortellini to a serving bowl or individual plates. Immediately add dollops of 1/2 cup ricotta cheese across the top.
- Finish: Drizzle with a high-quality olive oil, season with freshly cracked black pepper, and garnish generously with fresh basil leaves.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several sides. For a complete Italian meal, serve it with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic breadsticks. A light, acidic side like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. For added protein, top with grilled chicken strips or serve alongside Italian sausage. To make it a more formal appetizer, use smaller, bite-sized tortellini and serve in small bowls.
How-to Summary
Boil and drain cheese tortellini. Warm tomato sauce, optionally thinning it with pasta water. Combine tortellini and sauce. Plate, then top with dollops of ricotta cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, black pepper, and fresh basil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of dried? Absolutely. Fresh tortellini cooks much faster (often in 2-3 minutes), so adjust your timing accordingly to avoid mushy pasta.
How can I make my own tomato sauce? Sauté minced garlic in olive oil, add a can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes, a pinch of salt, sugar, and dried oregano. Simmer for 20 minutes.
What’s a good substitute for ricotta? Fresh burrata or creamy goat cheese are excellent substitutes. For a dairy-free option, try a high-quality cashew-based “ricotta.”
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes can be mixed into the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Tortellini: This leads to a mushy texture. Always follow package directions and taste-test a minute before the timer ends.
- Skipping Pasta Water: The starchy reserved water is key for helping the sauce cling to the pasta and creating a better emulsion.
- Using Cold Ricotta: Taking the ricotta straight from the fridge results in a cold, dense dollop. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for a creamier texture.
- Overcomplicating the Sauce: For this simple dish, a high-quality jarred sauce is perfect. Avoid over-seasoning or adding too many competing herbs.
Conclusion
Tomato Sauce Tortellini with Ricotta & Basil is the epitome of effortless elegance. In under 15 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that is deeply comforting yet impressively flavorful. The combination of rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and aromatic basil is timeless. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll master a versatile dish that is sure to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy the simplicity and delicious results!