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One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini Quick and Easy Meal

by on October 3, 2025

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Looking for a quick and easy meal? You’ll love this One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini recipe! It’s packed with flavor, needs just a few simple ingredients, and can be made in one pot. You can whip it up in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends! Let’s dive into how to create this delicious dish that will satisfy your hunger.

- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices - 4 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred - 1 package (9 oz) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option) These core ingredients create a comforting and rich dish. The olive oil adds a nice base, while garlic brings a warm flavor. Diced tomatoes and vegetable broth create a savory sauce. The tortellini makes it hearty, and the Italian seasoning ties it all together. Fresh basil gives a bright touch, and cream makes it creamy. - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving You can add red pepper flakes for some heat. This spice pairs well with the creamy sauce. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, rich flavor. It also looks great and makes the dish feel special. - Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme - A splash of balsamic vinegar for depth - Lemon zest for brightness If you want to mix it up, try fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. A splash of balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor. For a fresh twist, add lemon zest. These seasonings can make your One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini more distinct and personal. First, grab a large pot. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. You want it fragrant and lightly golden. Next, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Then, add 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Stir everything together well. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. This helps the flavors mix nicely. Once boiling, add a 9-ounce package of cheese tortellini. Also, toss in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. If you like a little heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir it all together to combine. This gives the tortellini space to cook evenly. Lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it gently now and then. This keeps the tortellini from sticking to the bottom. Check for doneness. The pasta should be tender but not mushy. When your tortellini is just right, add 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This makes the dish creamy and rich. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your taste. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir gently until everything is hot and well mixed. Serve your tortellini hot. Top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves. This adds a nice touch of freshness and flavor. Enjoy your one-pot meal! To boost the taste of your One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil makes a big difference. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick. If you like heat, toss in more red pepper flakes. You can add a bit of lemon juice for brightness. This simple touch can elevate your dish. While cooking tortellini, stirring is key. Stir gently every couple of minutes. This helps prevent sticking to the pot. Make sure to use enough broth. The liquid keeps everything moving. If you notice sticking, add a little more broth or water. Serve your tortellini hot with grated Parmesan on top. This creamy dish pairs well with crusty bread. A side salad adds freshness and crunch. For a fun twist, try it as a filling for baked peppers. You can even put it in a bowl and enjoy it as a soup! {{image_4}} To make this dish vegan, swap out the cheese tortellini for a plant-based version. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture. This change keeps the dish flavorful while meeting vegan needs. You can also skip the cheese garnish or use vegan cheese instead. Fresh basil adds a nice touch, no matter what! If you want to add protein, consider cooked chickpeas or white beans. They blend well with the tortellini and boost nutrition. If you eat meat, cooked chicken, or Italian sausage can work wonders. Just add them when you cook the garlic, so they warm up nicely with the sauce. Feel free to switch up the seasonings! You can add fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a different taste. If you like spice, try more red pepper flakes. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth. Experiment with garlic powder or onion powder for an extra kick. Each change can take your dish in a new direction! You can keep One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep the flavors fresh and tasty. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This way, it retains the best flavor and texture. Reheat the tortellini on the stovetop for the best results. Use medium heat and stir often. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream for creaminess. You can also microwave it in a safe dish. Heat in short intervals and stir until warm. Enjoy it just as you did when it was freshly made! Yes, you can use frozen tortellini in this recipe. Just add it directly to the pot when you add the vegetable broth. Frozen tortellini cooks well in the same time as fresh. It will soak up the flavors of the sauce as it cooks. I find that frozen tortellini is a great option when I'm short on time. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It gives a nice creaminess and a hint of sweetness. You can also use cashew cream or almond milk for a lighter feel. Both options work well and still keep the dish rich and tasty. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about three days. You can also freeze the dish for later. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. To sum it up, we explored the core and optional ingredients for your dish. We covered step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the tortellini. You learned tips to enhance flavor and prevent sticking. Variations included vegan options, protein choices, and different seasonings. Finally, I shared storage info and answered common questions. With these details, you can create a delicious meal effortlessly. Enjoy every bite and feel proud of your cooking!

Ingredients

Core Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

– 4 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred

– 1 package (9 oz) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini

– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend

– Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

– 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

These core ingredients create a comforting and rich dish. The olive oil adds a nice base, while garlic brings a warm flavor. Diced tomatoes and vegetable broth create a savory sauce. The tortellini makes it hearty, and the Italian seasoning ties it all together. Fresh basil gives a bright touch, and cream makes it creamy.

Optional Ingredients

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

You can add red pepper flakes for some heat. This spice pairs well with the creamy sauce. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, rich flavor. It also looks great and makes the dish feel special.

Suggested Seasonings

– Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme

– A splash of balsamic vinegar for depth

– Lemon zest for brightness

If you want to mix it up, try fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. A splash of balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor. For a fresh twist, add lemon zest. These seasonings can make your One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini more distinct and personal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

First, grab a large pot. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. You want it fragrant and lightly golden.

Next, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Then, add 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Stir everything together well. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. This helps the flavors mix nicely.

Cooking the Tortellini

Once boiling, add a 9-ounce package of cheese tortellini. Also, toss in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. If you like a little heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir it all together to combine. This gives the tortellini space to cook evenly.

Lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it gently now and then. This keeps the tortellini from sticking to the bottom. Check for doneness. The pasta should be tender but not mushy.

Finishing Touches

When your tortellini is just right, add 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This makes the dish creamy and rich. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your taste. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir gently until everything is hot and well mixed.

Serve your tortellini hot. Top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves. This adds a nice touch of freshness and flavor. Enjoy your one-pot meal!

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To boost the taste of your One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil makes a big difference. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick. If you like heat, toss in more red pepper flakes. You can add a bit of lemon juice for brightness. This simple touch can elevate your dish.

Preventing Sticking

While cooking tortellini, stirring is key. Stir gently every couple of minutes. This helps prevent sticking to the pot. Make sure to use enough broth. The liquid keeps everything moving. If you notice sticking, add a little more broth or water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your tortellini hot with grated Parmesan on top. This creamy dish pairs well with crusty bread. A side salad adds freshness and crunch. For a fun twist, try it as a filling for baked peppers. You can even put it in a bowl and enjoy it as a soup!

Variations

Vegan Option

To make this dish vegan, swap out the cheese tortellini for a plant-based version. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture. This change keeps the dish flavorful while meeting vegan needs. You can also skip the cheese garnish or use vegan cheese instead. Fresh basil adds a nice touch, no matter what!

Protein Additions

If you want to add protein, consider cooked chickpeas or white beans. They blend well with the tortellini and boost nutrition. If you eat meat, cooked chicken, or Italian sausage can work wonders. Just add them when you cook the garlic, so they warm up nicely with the sauce.

Different Seasonings

Feel free to switch up the seasonings! You can add fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a different taste. If you like spice, try more red pepper flakes. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth. Experiment with garlic powder or onion powder for an extra kick. Each change can take your dish in a new direction!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Tips

You can keep One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep the flavors fresh and tasty.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This way, it retains the best flavor and texture.

Reheating Guidance

Reheat the tortellini on the stovetop for the best results. Use medium heat and stir often. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream for creaminess. You can also microwave it in a safe dish. Heat in short intervals and stir until warm. Enjoy it just as you did when it was freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini in this recipe. Just add it directly to the pot when you add the vegetable broth. Frozen tortellini cooks well in the same time as fresh. It will soak up the flavors of the sauce as it cooks. I find that frozen tortellini is a great option when I’m short on time.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It gives a nice creaminess and a hint of sweetness. You can also use cashew cream or almond milk for a lighter feel. Both options work well and still keep the dish rich and tasty.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about three days. You can also freeze the dish for later. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

To sum it up, we explored the core and optional ingredients for your dish. We covered step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the tortellini. You learned tips to enhance flavor and prevent sticking. Variations included vegan options, protein choices, and different seasonings. Finally, I shared storage info and answered common questions.

With these details, you can create a delicious meal effortlessly. Enjoy every bite and feel proud of your cooking!

- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices - 4 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred - 1 package (9 oz) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option) These core ingredients create a comforting and rich dish. The olive oil adds a nice base, while garlic brings a warm flavor. Diced tomatoes and vegetable broth create a savory sauce. The tortellini makes it hearty, and the Italian seasoning ties it all together. Fresh basil gives a bright touch, and cream makes it creamy. - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving You can add red pepper flakes for some heat. This spice pairs well with the creamy sauce. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, rich flavor. It also looks great and makes the dish feel special. - Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme - A splash of balsamic vinegar for depth - Lemon zest for brightness If you want to mix it up, try fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. A splash of balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor. For a fresh twist, add lemon zest. These seasonings can make your One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini more distinct and personal. First, grab a large pot. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. You want it fragrant and lightly golden. Next, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Then, add 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Stir everything together well. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. This helps the flavors mix nicely. Once boiling, add a 9-ounce package of cheese tortellini. Also, toss in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. If you like a little heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir it all together to combine. This gives the tortellini space to cook evenly. Lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it gently now and then. This keeps the tortellini from sticking to the bottom. Check for doneness. The pasta should be tender but not mushy. When your tortellini is just right, add 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This makes the dish creamy and rich. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your taste. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir gently until everything is hot and well mixed. Serve your tortellini hot. Top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves. This adds a nice touch of freshness and flavor. Enjoy your one-pot meal! To boost the taste of your One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil makes a big difference. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick. If you like heat, toss in more red pepper flakes. You can add a bit of lemon juice for brightness. This simple touch can elevate your dish. While cooking tortellini, stirring is key. Stir gently every couple of minutes. This helps prevent sticking to the pot. Make sure to use enough broth. The liquid keeps everything moving. If you notice sticking, add a little more broth or water. Serve your tortellini hot with grated Parmesan on top. This creamy dish pairs well with crusty bread. A side salad adds freshness and crunch. For a fun twist, try it as a filling for baked peppers. You can even put it in a bowl and enjoy it as a soup! {{image_4}} To make this dish vegan, swap out the cheese tortellini for a plant-based version. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture. This change keeps the dish flavorful while meeting vegan needs. You can also skip the cheese garnish or use vegan cheese instead. Fresh basil adds a nice touch, no matter what! If you want to add protein, consider cooked chickpeas or white beans. They blend well with the tortellini and boost nutrition. If you eat meat, cooked chicken, or Italian sausage can work wonders. Just add them when you cook the garlic, so they warm up nicely with the sauce. Feel free to switch up the seasonings! You can add fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a different taste. If you like spice, try more red pepper flakes. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth. Experiment with garlic powder or onion powder for an extra kick. Each change can take your dish in a new direction! You can keep One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep the flavors fresh and tasty. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This way, it retains the best flavor and texture. Reheat the tortellini on the stovetop for the best results. Use medium heat and stir often. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream for creaminess. You can also microwave it in a safe dish. Heat in short intervals and stir until warm. Enjoy it just as you did when it was freshly made! Yes, you can use frozen tortellini in this recipe. Just add it directly to the pot when you add the vegetable broth. Frozen tortellini cooks well in the same time as fresh. It will soak up the flavors of the sauce as it cooks. I find that frozen tortellini is a great option when I'm short on time. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It gives a nice creaminess and a hint of sweetness. You can also use cashew cream or almond milk for a lighter feel. Both options work well and still keep the dish rich and tasty. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about three days. You can also freeze the dish for later. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. To sum it up, we explored the core and optional ingredients for your dish. We covered step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the tortellini. You learned tips to enhance flavor and prevent sticking. Variations included vegan options, protein choices, and different seasonings. Finally, I shared storage info and answered common questions. With these details, you can create a delicious meal effortlessly. Enjoy every bite and feel proud of your cooking!

One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini

Indulge in the comforting flavors of One Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini! This quick and easy recipe combines fresh ingredients like garlic, basil, and creamy cheese tortellini, all cooked in just one pot. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe and bring warmth to your table today! #TortelliniRecipes #OnePotMeals #TomatoBasil #EasyDinnerIdeas
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

4 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred

1 package (9 oz) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

In a substantial pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden—be careful not to let it burn.

    Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with all their juices, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir the mixture together and bring it to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld.

      Once boiling, introduce the cheese tortellini, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you enjoy heat). Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well mixed and the tortellini has space to cook.

        Lower the heat to a medium-low setting and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Check for doneness and tenderness of the tortellini, giving it a gentle stir occasionally to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pot.

          When the tortellini has reached your desired softness, add in the chopped fresh basil and heavy cream. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until the dish is heated through and creamy.

            Serve the tortellini steaming hot, generously garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves if desired for a touch of freshness.

              - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

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