Zesty Creamy Lemon-Dill Tortellini Recipe: A Burst of Flavor

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy lemon-dill tortellini delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Bright, tangy notes of lemon weave through tender pasta pillows, creating a dish that feels both elegant and approachable.

Fresh dill adds a subtle herbaceous whisper that lifts every single bite.

Silky sauce coats each tortellini with rich, creamy goodness that beckons you to take another forkful.

The harmonious blend of zesty citrus and delicate herbs makes this recipe a standout meal.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this tortellini promises a delightful dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Savor each delectable spoonful and let the flavors transport you to a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Lemon-Dill Tortellini

• Zesty Garnish Paradise: Sprinkle extra fresh dill and lemon zest on top for a burst of bright, herbal freshness that elevates the dish's visual appeal and adds a tangy flavor profile.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Top the tortellini with additional grated Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, salty layer that complements the creamy lemon-dill sauce and adds delightful texture.
• Mediterranean Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread to balance the creamy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the lemony notes and cut through the creamy texture.

Planning & Prep Tips for Creamy Lemon-Dill Tortellini

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious creamy texture.
• Freezing Fresh Portions: Carefully transfer cooled tortellini to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays delicious for up to 2 weeks when properly stored.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated tortellini in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to restore original creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Smart Meal Prep Tip: Prepare sauce ingredients ahead of time and store separately. Combine fresh tortellini with prepared sauce just before serving to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 525 kcal

Servings: 5

Items Needed for Creamy Lemon-Dill Tortellini

• Tortellini: Soft, pillowy pasta pockets packed with rich cheese, perfect for capturing the creamy sauce.
• Vegetable Broth, Chicken Broth: Liquid flavor boosters that add depth and richness to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious, silky base that creates an indulgent and velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, sharp cheese that adds complex savory notes and helps thicken the sauce.
• Egg Yolk: Provides extra richness and helps create a smooth, glossy sauce consistency.

• Lemon: Bright, zesty citrus that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh, tangy dimension.
• Fresh Dill: Delicate herb with a subtle anise-like flavor that brings a light, aromatic touch.
• Garlic: Pungent, earthy ingredient that adds a warm, deep undertone to the sauce.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for balancing and intensifying all the dish's flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds a gentle, warming heat and subtle complexity to the overall taste.

Cooking Tools for Creamy Lemon-Dill Tortellini

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking the tortellini and creating the creamy sauce.
• Grater: Needed to grate Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing Parmesan and egg yolk.
• Cutting Board: For chopping dill and preparing ingredients.
• Knife: Sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Cups: To measure cream and broth accurately.

How to Prepare Creamy Lemon-Dill Tortellini

• Flavor Preparation

Gather fresh ingredients like creamy tortellini, zesty lemon, aromatic dill, and rich Parmesan. Create a welcoming kitchen atmosphere with soft background music and comfortable cooking attire.

• Sauce Base

Combine minced garlic, bright lemon zest, smooth cream, and savory broth in a large skillet. Gently warm the mixture over medium heat, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop a luxurious foundation.

• Pasta Integration

Add tortellini to the simmering liquid, stirring occasionally. Let the pasta absorb the delicate sauce, becoming tender and infused with the skillet’s vibrant essence. Cooking time varies based on tortellini type.

• Final Touches

Remove skillet from heat. Introduce fresh lemon juice, delicate dill, and a creamy Parmesan mixture. Swirl gently to create a harmonious blend of tangy and rich flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning for perfect balance.

• Serving

Transfer the creamy tortellini to elegant serving dishes. Sprinkle additional Parmesan on top for a delightful garnish. Enjoy immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Tips & Flavor Variants for Creamy Lemon-Dill Tortellini

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Tortellini Type Twist: Swap cheese tortellini with spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled varieties for different flavor profiles and exciting meal variations.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the dish by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra protein and depth of flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in fresh baby spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or sautéed asparagus during the last minute of cooking to increase nutritional value and color.
• Creamy Consistency Hack: If sauce seems too thick, splash in extra broth or pasta water to achieve desired silky texture without compromising flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream for a lighter, lactose-free version that still delivers rich, creamy goodness.

Zesty Lemon-Dill Tortellini Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy lemon-dill tortellini delivers Mediterranean comfort with elegant pasta twirls. Quick weeknight dinners gain Mediterranean flair when pasta combines tangy herbs and silky sauce that make you crave seconds.

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Ingredients

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• 20 oz (567 g) cheese tortellini
• 1.25 cups (296 ml) heavy cream
• 1.25 cups (296 ml) low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 oz (28 g) Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 medium lemon
• ½ medium bunch fresh dill
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Flavor Base: Combine aromatic garlic, lemon zest, cream, and broth in a spacious skillet, forming a fragrant foundation for the dish.
2. Simmering Process: Allow the liquid mixture to gently simmer over medium heat, releasing essential oils and developing a nuanced flavor profile while enabling ingredients to meld harmoniously.
3. Pasta Integration: Submerge tortellini into the simmering liquid, stirring consistently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until reaching perfect al dente texture.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Introduce fresh lemon juice and finely chopped dill, stirring to infuse brightness and herbaceous notes into the developing sauce.
5. Creamy Transformation: Incorporate the Parmesan-egg mixture, creating a luxurious emulsion that thickens the sauce and adds sophisticated richness to the dish.
6. Final Refinement: Conduct a comprehensive seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to balance the complex flavor profile, then garnish with an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan for textural contrast and final flavor elevation.

Notes

• Flavor Foundation: Build a robust base by carefully combining garlic, lemon zest, cream, and broth to infuse deep, aromatic flavors into the tortellini.
• Gentle Simmering Technique: Maintain a medium heat to slowly release essential oils and develop a nuanced, complex flavor profile without scorching.
• Pasta Absorption Trick: Ensure complete pasta submersion while stirring consistently to prevent sticking and promote even cooking and flavor penetration.
• Final Flavor Elevation: Finish the dish with fresh lemon juice, dill, and a Parmesan-egg mixture to create a bright, creamy, and sophisticated final touch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg