Imagine a mouthwatering meal that comes together in just 20 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor - welcome to the world of One Pot Cheesy Tortellini Skillet! This Italian-inspired dish is a game-changer for busy home cooks who crave delicious, satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with tender tortellini, vibrant spinach, and gooey melted mozzarella, this skillet recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package tortellini
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are prepped and measured before starting cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring the entire bottom of the pan is evenly coated.
- Add tortellini to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the tortellini completely. Reduce heat to low-medium.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the tortellini, mixing gently to distribute the seasonings.
- Cover the skillet and let the tortellini simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and heated through.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach begins to wilt and becomes bright green.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini and spinach.
- Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Serve hot, directly from the skillet, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality tortellini for the best flavor - fresh or frozen both work well.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Don't rush the cheese melting process - low and slow creates the perfect creamy texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or red pepper flakes when cooking the tortellini.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the marinara reduce slightly before adding the cheese.
- Fresh spinach works best, but frozen can be substituted in a pinch.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding parmesan or adding a sprinkle of fresh basil for variation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
