This Healthy Tortellini with Sautéed Vegetables is a colorful mix of fresh veggies and tasty tortellini. It’s quick to make, filling, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
I love how you can use whatever veggies you have on hand—zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. It’s like a clean-out-the-fridge party in a bowl! 🎉
This dish makes dinner easy and good for you. Just cook the tortellini, toss in those veggies, and you’ve got a delightful meal ready in no time. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini adds great flavor, but you can use spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled versions if preferred. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free tortellini available in stores.
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing, but don’t hesitate to swap it for avocado oil or any neutral oil if you prefer. These oils also have great health benefits!
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic enhance the flavor. You can use shallots for a milder taste, or garlic powder if you’re in a pinch. Keep in mind that fresh veggies always provide better flavor!
Zucchini: This versatile veggie can be swapped with bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli. They all add a nice crunch and color.
Corn: Fresh corn is fantastic, but frozen or canned corn works too. If you need to avoid corn, you could toss in peas or green beans instead.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing veggies is all about achieving that nice tender texture and vibrant color without losing their nutrients. Follow these steps for success:
- Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat before adding veggies.
- Start with the onion, letting it cook until it’s soft and slightly translucent—this packs in flavor.
- Add garlic just a minute before the other vegetables to prevent burning.
- Next, add hardier veggies like zucchini, giving them a good 3-4 minutes before adding softer ones like tomatoes and corn.
- Keep stirring every so often to ensure even cooking!
Healthy Tortellini With Sautéed Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9 oz (250 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and another 15 minutes for cooking, totaling around 25 minutes. Perfect for when you’re short on time but want to enjoy a nutritious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. When bubbling, add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
2. Sauté the Onions:
While your tortellini is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. This will create a delicious base for your dish!
3. Add Garlic & Zucchini:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then, add the zucchini slices to the skillet. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become tender.
4. Mix in the Tomatoes and Corn:
Now it’s time to add some color! Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and corn kernels. Cook everything together for another 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and the corn is heated through. Season the vegetables with salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
5. Combine with Tortellini:
Gently stir the cooked tortellini into the skillet, mixing it with the sautéed vegetables so that everything gets nicely combined. Warm it all through for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Finish and Serve:
Once heated, remove the skillet from the heat, and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil and parsley over the top. Toss everything lightly to combine before serving. Enjoy your healthy and vibrant meal warm, and feel free to add extra herbs as garnish!
This healthy tortellini dish is not just packed with vegetables; it’s also colorful and bursting with fresh flavors, making it a perfect quick and wholesome dinner! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Healthy Tortellini With Sautéed Vegetables
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?
Absolutely! Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package for frozen tortellini, as cooking times may vary slightly. There’s no need to thaw them before cooking!
What If I Don’t Have All the Vegetables Listed?
No worries! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to substitute with any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking times slightly based on the vegetable type.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
For a vegan version, you can use plant-based tortellini filled with vegetables or tofu instead of cheese. Additionally, ensure that your olive oil and seasonings are all vegan-friendly!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
