Store-bought tortellini is a fantastic shortcut for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, satisfying meal. While delicious on its own, you can elevate store-bought tortellini into a gourmet meal with just a few creative additions. This guide will walk you through five inventive ways to transform your tortellini into impressive dishes, from a flavorful tortellini pizza to a zesty pasta salad. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for an easy weeknight meal, these recipes are sure to impress and delight.
Ingredients for Tortellini Pizza
- 1 package of store-bought tortellini (cheese or meat-filled)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Olive oil for drizzling
How to Make Tortellini Pizza
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Pizza Base: If you’re using a pizza dough, roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For a quicker version, use a pre-made pizza crust or flatbread.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the crust. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Scatter the cooked tortellini evenly on top. Add Parmesan cheese, pepperoni or sausage, bell peppers, and olives.
- Season and Bake: Sprinkle dried oregano and basil over the top. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Place the pizza in the preheated oven (or on the pizza stone) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness.
Ingredients for Tortellini Skewers
- 1 package of store-bought tortellini (cheese or meat-filled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Tortellini Skewers
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- Assemble the Skewers: On skewers or toothpicks, alternate threading tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
- Season and Serve: Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: These skewers are perfect as an appetizer or a light meal. Enjoy them cold or at room temperature.
Ingredients for Tortellini Stew
- 1 package of store-bought tortellini (cheese or meat-filled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Tortellini Stew
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Simmer the Stew: Add diced tomatoes, broth, and dried herbs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Add Tortellini and Peas: Stir in the tortellini and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini are cooked through and the stew is heated.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Ingredients for Tortellini Pasta Salad
- 1 package of store-bought tortellini (cheese or meat-filled)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Add Dressing and Herbs: Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Add chopped basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Season and Chill: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy this pasta salad as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
About the Main Ingredients
Tortellini: This Italian pasta is typically filled with cheese, meat, or a combination of both. It’s versatile and cooks quickly, making it an ideal ingredient for various recipes.
Cheese: Commonly used in tortellini, cheese adds a rich, creamy texture. In recipes like pasta salad and skewers, cheese enhances flavor and provides a satisfying texture.
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and sweetness to skewers and salads, balancing the richness of cheese and meat.
Balsamic Glaze: A reduction of balsamic vinegar, this glaze adds a sweet-tart flavor that complements the richness of the tortellini and cheese in skewers.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary, along with fresh basil, contribute aromatic flavors that elevate the taste of stews and salads.
By using these ingredients and methods, you can transform simple store-bought tortellini into exciting and varied dishes. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and making your meals more flavorful and enjoyable!
