Description
Silky Italian tortellini swirls through a luxurious alfredo sauce, embracing earthy mushrooms in each delectable bite. Hearty comfort meets elegant simplicity, inviting you to savor this classic pasta dish that whispers pure culinary bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 20-ounce (567 grams) package refrigerated cheese or mushroom tortellini
- 16 ounces (454 grams) sliced baby Bella mushrooms
- ¾ cup (75 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 8 tablespoons (113 grams) butter
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
Seasonings and Herbs:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or to taste)
- ½ cup (75 grams) finely chopped onion
Instructions
- Prepare a generously sized pot with water, incorporating a splash of olive oil. Allow the liquid to reach a vigorous boil, then gently introduce the tortellini. Simmer until the pasta floats and the interior filling becomes steaming hot, approximately 7 minutes.
- Select a spacious saucepan and melt butter over medium-high temperature. Introduce sliced mushrooms, diced onions, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and tender, roughly 5 minutes.
- Extract the mushroom mixture using a slotted spoon, transferring to the bowl containing the cooked tortellini. Discard any remaining liquid from the saucepan.
- Reduce the cooking temperature to medium and melt additional butter in the same pan. Whisk in half-and-half, incorporating salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a delicate hint of cayenne pepper.
- Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring periodically until it transforms into a thick, bubbling consistency. Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce reaches a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Pour the creamy Alfredo sauce over the tortellini and mushroom mixture, carefully folding to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Plate the dish in serving bowls, adorning with fresh thyme sprigs to enhance the visual appeal and provide a subtle herbaceous note. Serve immediately and savor the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Master this creamy dish in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Elevate the flavor by using fresh mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for deeper, earthier notes.
- Make sure to drain tortellini well to prevent watery sauce and ensure perfect coating.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper – a pinch adds warmth, more brings serious kick.
- Leftovers stay delicious for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Pro tip: Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum melting and richness in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg