Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

An easy and delightful dish, Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies perfectly combines rich cheese tortellini with vibrant, fresh vegetables. This recipe is ideal for family dinners, summer gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal. Its colorful ingredients and herby marinara sauce make it both appetizing and satisfying, turning a simple meal into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with seasonal summer veggies like zucchini, corn, and tomatoes, it’s a great way to enjoy local produce.
• Versatile Dish: Customizable to suit your taste; you can swap in your favorite vegetables or add protein.
• Flavorful Sauce: The herby marinara sauce ties all the flavors together beautifully, ensuring every bite is delicious.
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and colorful presentation, this dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready ensures you can focus on creating a delicious meal without any hiccups.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the tortellini evenly while allowing them enough space to cook properly.
• 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for tossing ingredients together without damaging them while mixing.

Ingredients

An easy tortellini recipe! Made with rich cheese tortellini, fresh sautéed zucchini, tomatoes, corn, and onion, and it’s all coated in an herby marinara sauce. Quite easily a perfect summer dish!

For the Tortellini

• 20 oz. refrigerated three cheese tortellini

For the Vegetables

• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
• 2 ears corn, kernels cut from cobs (about 2 cups)
• 2 cups (12 oz) grape tomatoes
• 2 medium (12 oz total) zucchini, sliced into half moons about 1/4-inch thick
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 Tbsp)

For the Sauce and Seasoning

• 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce (half of a 24 oz jar)
• Salt (and freshly ground black pepper)
• 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Step 1: Boil the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini one minute shy of the package instructions. While waiting for the water to boil, prep your vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

In a 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add Corn

Add the corn kernels to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes

Introduce the grape tomatoes into the pan. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 5: Finish with Zucchini and Garlic

Add zucchini slices and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until all veggies are tender and many of the tomatoes burst—this should take around 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Tortellini

While finishing up with your vegetables, drain the tortellini but reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Transfer both tortellini and marinara sauce into the pan with veggies. Toss gently until well combined—about 1 to 2 minutes. If necessary, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin out the mixture.

Step 7: Season

Season with salt and pepper according to taste. Stir in half of your parmesan cheese along with chopped basil and parsley.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately by topping individual portions with remaining parmesan cheese. Enjoy your flavorful Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies!

How to Serve Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Serving Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful way to enjoy a summer meal. This dish is versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance its flavors.

Fresh Herb Garnish

• Sprinkle fresh basil and parsley on top for added freshness and color.

Grated Cheese

• Offer extra parmesan cheese on the side for those who love a cheesy finish.

Lemon Wedges

• Provide lemon wedges for a zesty kick that complements the richness of the tortellini.

Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the marinara sauce.

Mixed Green Salad

• Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Add grilled chicken skewers as a protein boost, making it a heartier meal option.

How to Perfect Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

To achieve the best results when preparing Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and corn elevate the dish’s flavor and texture significantly.
• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Cook tortellini just shy of package instructions to maintain their perfect bite.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Keep some pasta water handy; it helps adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season the dish at the end to ensure it’s perfectly balanced.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix different herbs like oregano or thyme along with basil and parsley for added depth.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after cooking for optimal flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

When serving Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, consider these fantastic side dishes to complete your meal.

1. Caprese Salad: A classic Italian salad made from fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
2. Garlic Bread: Crispy bread topped with garlic butter makes for an irresistible side that pairs well with marinara sauce.
3. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted until tender adds a healthy green touch to your plate.
4. Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed in vinegar and herbs provide a refreshing crunch alongside the tortellini.
5. Grilled Peppers: Sweet bell peppers grilled until slightly charred bring vibrant color and flavor to your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: A nutritious quinoa salad mixed with diced vegetables offers a filling yet light side option.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with herbs and breadcrumbs complement the richness of the tortellini beautifully.
8. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli offers both nutrition and color, rounding out your summer dinner perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the Salt in Water: Not adding salt to the boiling water can lead to bland tortellini. Always season your water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
• Overcooking the Tortellini: Cooking tortellini longer than recommended can make it mushy. Follow package instructions and cook just shy of the suggested time for the best texture.
• Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can diminish flavor. Fresh basil and parsley add vibrant taste, so don’t skip them!
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold marinara sauce to hot veggies can affect the overall dish temperature. Warm your sauce before combining for a better experience.
• Not Saving Pasta Water: Discarding pasta water means losing a valuable tool for adjusting sauce consistency. Always reserve some water before draining tortellini.
• Forgetting to Taste Before Serving: Neglecting to taste your dish before serving may lead to missing out on key seasoning adjustments. Always give it a final taste!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until warm. Use a microwave-safe dish with a cover.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies.

Can I use frozen cheese tortellini?

Yes, you can use frozen cheese tortellini! Just follow package instructions for cooking times.

What vegetables work well in Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies?

You can use any seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make this dish vegan, substitute cheese tortellini with plant-based alternatives and omit parmesan cheese or use a vegan version.

Can I prepare Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all ingredients ahead of time and store them separately until you’re ready to cook!

What sauces pair well with this dish?

Besides marinara sauce, pesto or a light olive oil and garlic dressing would complement this dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize. Feel free to mix in your favorite summer vegetables or adjust herbs according to your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for warm weather dining!