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Zesty Lemon-Dill Tortellini Recipe

Zesty Lemon-Dill Tortellini Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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