Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful dish that captures the essence of summer. This easy tortellini recipe combines rich cheese tortellini with fresh, sautéed vegetables like zucchini, corn, and tomatoes, all enveloped in a herby marinara sauce. It’s perfect for warm evenings, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal. The standout feature is its vibrant flavors and colorful presentation, making it an appealing choice for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish takes only 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful: The combination of cheese tortellini and fresh veggies creates a delicious medley that bursts with flavor.
Versatile: You can easily customize the veggies based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge.
Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables and made with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a nutritious choice for the whole family.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well and can be enjoyed as leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process so everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Perfect for boiling the tortellini; it ensures they cook evenly without sticking.
Sauté pan: Provides enough space to cook the veggies without overcrowding, allowing them to sauté properly.
Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.

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

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)

For Garnish

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

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

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet:
1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion; sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in corn; sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes; continue sautéing for another 3 minutes.
5. Mix in zucchini and garlic; sauté until vegetables are tender and many tomatoes have burst—about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Drain the tortellini while reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Transfer both the tortellini and marinara sauce into the pan with the vegetables:
1. Toss everything together until heated through—around 1 to 2 minutes.
2. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste:
1. Toss in 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese along with basil and parsley.
2. Serve immediately by topping each serving with remaining parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies!

How to Serve Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Cheese tortellini with summer veggies is a delightful dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

Fresh Herb Garnish

Basil and Parsley: Top your dish with freshly chopped basil and parsley for an aromatic boost.

Grated Cheese

Parmesan: Sprinkle additional finely shredded parmesan on top for a rich, cheesy flavor.

Toasted Bread

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread on the side for a perfect accompaniment that soaks up the sauce.

Salad Pairing

Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the tortellini.

Wine Selection

White Wine: Pair with a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio to enhance the meal’s flavors.

Lemon Zest

Citrus Twist: A sprinkle of lemon zest brightens up the dish, adding a fresh touch.

How to Perfect Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

To ensure your cheese tortellini with summer veggies turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables whenever possible. They enhance flavor and nutrition.
Cook Tortellini Al Dente: Follow package instructions but cook one minute less for a firmer texture.
Reserve Pasta Water: Save some pasta water before draining; it helps adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Sauté Time Matters: Ensure vegetables are tender but not overcooked. Aim for vibrant colors and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Pairing side dishes with cheese tortellini can elevate your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing side.
Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a smoky crunch that complements the main dish beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies brings out natural sweetness and pairs perfectly.
Antipasto Platter: Include olives, cured meats, and cheeses for an Italian-inspired starter that excites the palate.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances summertime vibes and adds natural sweetness to your meal.
Pesto Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with pesto and tomatoes creates an irresistible appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

Overcooking the tortellini: Cooking tortellini longer than recommended can lead to mushy pasta. Always check the package for the suggested cooking time and set a timer.
Skipping the salt in boiling water: Not salting the water can lead to bland tortellini. Add enough salt so that the water tastes like the sea before cooking your pasta.
Not prepping veggies in advance: Chopping vegetables while cooking can slow you down and lead to uneven cooking. Prepare all your ingredients before starting for a smoother cooking process.
Using store-bought marinara without enhancing it: Simply pouring jarred marinara sauce over your dish can be lackluster. Enhance it by sautéing garlic or adding herbs for more flavor.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can result in a bland dish. Always taste as you cook and feel free to add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Container: Use a glass or plastic container with a tight seal.

Freezing Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

- Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Container: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and reheat while stirring until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen cheese tortellini?

Yes! Frozen cheese tortellini can be used; just cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the veggies.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize! Spinach, bell peppers, or asparagus also work well in this dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is perfect for meal prep. Just store portions in airtight containers.

How do I make it vegan?

To make this dish vegan, substitute cheese tortellini with a plant-based version and skip the parmesan cheese.

Final Thoughts

Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables or herbs. Enjoy this comforting dish on warm summer days or any time you crave something fresh and satisfying!

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Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a vibrant, delicious dish that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of summer. This easy tortellini recipe combines rich, cheesy pasta with fresh sautéed zucchini, corn, and tomatoes, all simmered in a herby marinara sauce. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or seeking a quick weeknight dinner, this dish delivers a delightful medley of flavors and bright colors that will please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

20 oz refrigerated three cheese tortellini
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
2 ears corn (kernels cut from cobs)
2 cups grape tomatoes
2 medium zucchini (sliced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 1/4 cups marinara sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (divided)
Fresh basil and parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook tortellini according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3 minutes until softened.
Add corn and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and sauté for an additional 3 minutes.
Mix in zucchini and minced garlic; cook until tender and tomatoes burst (about 6 to 8 minutes).
Combine the drained tortellini and marinara sauce into the vegetable mixture, tossing until heated through. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Season with salt and pepper, then toss in half of the parmesan cheese along with fresh herbs before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian