Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked tortellini, each bite bursting with rich, creamy garlic and nutty Parmesan cheese. This isn't just another pasta dish - this is a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality Italian dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the cheese tortellini to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and floating at the surface.
- While the tortellini are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Be careful not to burn the butter.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Drain the cooked tortellini in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water if needed to help create a sauce.
- Transfer the drained tortellini directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tortellini. Stir to combine, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy coating.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too dry, add a little reserved pasta water to help create a smoother consistency.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich garlic and Parmesan flavors.
Tips
- Use fresh garlic for the most intense flavor - pre-minced garlic from a jar won't provide the same aromatic punch.
- Watch your butter carefully when sautéing to prevent burning. Medium heat is key for achieving that perfect golden color.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a smoother, silkier sauce.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh if possible, as it melts more smoothly and provides a more robust flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Don't overcook the tortellini - they should be tender but still have a slight bite. Follow package instructions closely.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream when mixing the tortellini with the garlic butter.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
