Tortellini with Peas

How to make

This easy tortellini dinner is so simple, I have photos for the steps, but honestly, I doubt that you’ll need them. You’ll have a delicious meal in about 15 minutes.

Start by cooking the tortellini. Just follow the package directions. Fresh ones cook really fast – usually in about 3 to 4 minutes once the water boils. Frozen tortellini are a great idea, because you can keep them for a long time and always have a dinner back up.

Next up for this quick pasta recipe, you’ll make a simple basic white sauce, the kind that mom used to make, only this one starts with onions and garlic.

Melt the butter and add the onions and garlic. Just cook it until it softens. And sometimes, when I really don’t want to work at dinner, I just use dried onion flakes. Then I don’t even have to chop the onions. Use about 1 & ½ to 2 tablespoons of the dried onions. The dried onions don’t even need to be sauteed for a minute. Just add them in with the milk.

Stir in the flour. Then slowly stir in milk, and add the peas and basil. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture simmers and thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from heat, and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Then toss the weeknight pasta meal all together. That’s it! You can garnish with additional cheese if you like.

And, this makes fantastic leftovers. I’ll often double the recipe just to have tomorrow night’s dinner all ready. Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Change it up

This is one of those easy 30 minute weeknight meal I make when I don’t know what’s for dinner. The basic recipe is delicious, then you can add or leave out whatever you like. The first time you make this recipe try it as it is written, then switch it up. Use whatever you have in the fridge. Or whatever your family loves.

Use your favorite tortellini, like spinach, mushroom, cheese, chicken, fancy like butternut squash, or even meat filled ones. Or, use ravioli instead of tortellini. Use plain pasta as well.

Like I said, my favorite swap is to use dried onion flakes (about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons) instead of fresh onions. Try using shallot instead of onion as well.

Add in whatever veggies you like, such as fresh spinach, carrots, mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini.

Add shredded chicken,  tofu, ham, shrimp, or salmon to the dish for added protein.

Feel free to use any neutral flavored milk like plant based soy or almond, whole milk, low fat milk, or anything in between.

Make this easy comfort food dinner spicy by adding some red chili flakes. Use different herbs like rosemary, parsley, or thyme. Add a little freshly grated nutmeg to the top when serving.

More tortellini recipes

Looking for more easy weeknight dinner ideas to make a great meal? Tortellini makes a great start to the meal. Tortellini in Pumpkin Gorgonzola Sauce, Air Fryer Crispy Tortellini, and One Pot Pizza Tortellini Bake.