Sunday, February 17, 2013

Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

We were suppose to have tortellini soup tonight, but it is not soup weather.  I suppose I could hold off and move it to Wednesday when our snow storm approaches.  Instead I decided to use what I had on hand and make a creamy tomato basil tortellini with spinach, a side salad, and some crusty garlic bread.

This is one of my basic marinara sauces that I jazzed up a bit to make creamier.  Simply delicious and easy to make.  I used frozen tortellini because I haven't braved making it homemade yet.  Someday soon...maybe :)















Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini
20 oz frozen tortellini
1- 28 oz can italian diced tomatoes, drained
1 TBS olive oil
1 TBS minced garlic
1/2 small onion, diced fine
pinch of red pepper flakes
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp parsley
1 1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup white wine
1 can evaporated milk
2 TBS cornstarch
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

  • Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet
  • Add onion and saute until translucent, about 5-7 minutes
  • Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds just until fragrant
  • Add white wine and cook for about 5 minutes to reduce
  • Add tomatoes, oregano, parsley, basil, pepper, and salt then heat to a boil
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes to blend flavors
  • At this point prepare tortellini as directed on the package
  • Mix together the cornstarch and the evaporated milk
  • Stir the evaporated milk and parmesan cheese into the sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened
  • When tortellini is done drain and add spinach to wilt it
  • Toss the tortellini and spinach with the creamy tomato sauce
  • Top with additional parmesan cheese if desired
I am in love with this sauce.  I decided to leave it chunky this time, but I have pureed the tomatoes to make a nice smooth sauce too.  If you want just a plain marinara you can leave out the evaporated milk, but I love the creaminess of this sauce.  Delicious!

Below is the nutritional value per serving.  This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 254 g
Amount Per Serving
Calories
314
Calories from Fat
94
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
10.4g
16%
Saturated Fat
5.1g
26%
Trans Fat
0.0g
Cholesterol
39mg
13%
Sodium
715mg
30%
Total Carbohydrates
36.9g
12%
Dietary Fiber
2.6g
11%
Sugars
10.1g
Protein
13.5g
Vitamin A 25%Vitamin C 24%
Calcium 34%Iron 12%
Nutrition Grade C-
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points
Bad points
  • Contains alcohol























Linked to:

 Ms. enPlace Tempt my Tummy Tuesdays Mandy‘s Recipe Box nap-time creations mop it up mondays Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms The DIY Dreamer It's Overflowing The Stuff of Success Cheap Recipes and Money-Saving Tips 52 Mantels Miz Helen’s Country Cottage Mrs Happy Homemaker I Heart Nap Time Mixitup Addicted to Recipes Button, Page button Our Delightful Home Photobucket Gluten Free pantry What's cooking, love? Hubby Made Me Cast Party Wednesday BWS tips button Photobucket The Chicken Chick Accidently Wonderful Back for Seconds HungryLittleGirl The Mandatory Mooch Photo Friday Blog Hop Dinner Time Recipes

25 comments:

  1. Had to pin this and have to make it! This looks so delicious, Erika. Just the kind of thing my family likes. Thanks for linking with See Ya in the Gumbo!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words :) I hope you and your family enjoy this as much as we do!

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    2. Wanted to let you know I made this pasta during the week. We loved it! I was a little heavy handed with the red pepper flake, but I can't help it ;-)

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    3. That is great to hear! So glad you enjoyed it. I always try to add more spice, but my husband quickly stops me...lol

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  2. This looks delicious, I love tortellini! I am a new follower from Ms.enPlace. I would love for you to come to my party tomorrow at http://www.memoriesbythemile.com/
    Following you all ways.
    xox
    Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

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    Replies
    1. That's wonderful! I will definitely come check out the party!

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  3. that looks so delish...oh perfect winter dinner. thanks for sharing this on the PHOTO FRIDAY blog HOP! Happy weekend!

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  4. thanks for linking with kids in the kitchen - I pinned and shared!

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  5. This looks so yummy. I'd like to invite you to participate in my blog's round up called Pantry Party! This month's theme is pasta and this dish would suit it perfectly! Enter this dish or another, we'd love to have you!

    http://lawstudentscookbook.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/pantry-party-february-2013-announcement/

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  6. I have been seeing so many tomato inspired dishes lately. I love a good tortellini dish. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friday

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    Replies
    1. Probably because canned tomatoes have been cheap ;) Plus they are pretty good! We love tortellini too in many different ways, but this is definitely one of our favorites so far ;)

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  7. This looks great! I found you on Foodie Friends Friday. I am starting a blog party and hope you will join me! http://rediscovermom.blogspot.com/2013/02/tried-and-true-recipes-from-our-families.html

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  8. Hi Erika,
    Tomato Basil is one of my favorites. We grow our own Basil so I can't wait to try this recipe. Hope you have a fabulous week and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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    Replies
    1. I wish I had fresh basil for this recipe it would definitely make it "pop" better. I hope you enjoy this one :)

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  9. Thank you so much for sharing your delicious recipe with us at Cast Party Wednesday. I hope you are having a GREAT week! ~Sheryl @ Lady Behind The Curtain~

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  10. This recipe looks like something I would love! Thank you for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday! Please come back this week with another great recipe! Please add our link to your parties! Thanks.

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What do you think? I'd love to hear from you!