Name: Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Meat Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2–3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil; 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (to taste); Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Introduction

Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Meat Sauce is a comforting and easy-to-make weeknight dinner that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with a rich, savory meat sauce enveloped in a luscious creamy texture. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for families looking for a satisfying yet light meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.

This image shows a close-up of a cooked dish of baked tortellini in a white pan. The dish has two main layers: the tortellini pasta, which is yellow and plump with folds, and a thick layer of browned ground meat sauce mixed with melted cheese on top. The cheese layer is golden with bubbly spots, covering the pasta partly, and small green herb pieces are sprinkled over the dish. The texture looks creamy and rich, with the edges of the pan slightly stained with sauce. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (about 1 pound)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil
1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Next, crumble in ground beef or sausage, cooking thoroughly until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently to marry the flavors and thicken slightly.
Step 2: While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—usually 3 to 5 minutes for fresh or frozen. Once tender, drain and reserve a bit of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
Step 3: Lower heat to medium-low and slowly pour in heavy cream or half-and-half to the meat sauce, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to become creamy and luscious, then fold in the cooked tortellini gently. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your liking, ensuring that every tortellini is beautifully coated.
Step 4: Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil over the dish. Serve immediately while warm, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce ensuring every bite is a creamy delight.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh tortellini whenever possible for a tender, delicate texture that enhances the dish.
Don’t rush sautéing the garlic and onions; this builds deep, rich flavor right from the start.
Simmer your sauce gently to meld flavors beautifully without overcooking the meat.
Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce perfectly without watering it down.
Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end to brighten and enhance freshness.
For a vegetarian twist, swap the meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Try different cheese tortellini varieties such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom-filled for new flavors.
For a lighter dish, use half-and-half and lean turkey or chicken sausage.
Add extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrients and texture.

Storage

Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more satisfying. This dish also freezes well—portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce’s creamy texture. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent sauce separation.

How to Serve

A close-up view of baked tortellini pasta arranged in a white round dish, featuring stuffed pasta pockets covered with a thick layer of melted golden-brown cheese and rich, chunky meat sauce spread evenly throughout. The tortellini are plump and glossy, with some edges slightly crispy from baking. Small green parsley bits are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh color contrast. The edges of the dish show a bit of sauce baked onto the sides, giving a home-cooked feel. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought frozen tortellini?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly and saves time, just be sure to follow cooking instructions carefully to avoid overcooking.

What kind of meat is best for this recipe?

Ground beef and Italian sausage are classic choices that provide great flavor and texture, but lean ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you prefer.