This colorful dish brings together tasty tortellini and fresh sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. It’s quick to whip up and looks great on your plate!
I love how it’s not just a meal but a mix of flavors! You can easily swap in your favorite veggies too—no boring dinners here! Who knew pasta could be so fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Fresh tortellini gives a lovely texture and flavor, but frozen works just as well! If you can’t find tortellini, stuffed pasta like ravioli is a good substitute.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness, but if you don’t have them, try diced regular tomatoes or roasted bell peppers for a similar taste.
Corn: Fresh corn is amazing in this recipe, but frozen or canned corn can be a practical option. Just drain the canned corn before using.
Zucchini & Bell Pepper: Any other vegetables you have on hand can work here! Think spinach, asparagus, or even broccoli to change things up.
Olive Oil: This adds richness, but feel free to use vegetable oil or butter if you prefer. Each will give a slightly different but tasty result!
How Do I Sauté Vegetables to Perfection?
Sautéing vegetables is crucial for bringing out their flavors. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:
- Start with a hot skillet to get a nice sizzle.
- Add olive oil and let it heat up for a few seconds before adding the onion and garlic.
- Sauté until the onion is translucent to build a good flavor base.
- Add hard veggies like bell pepper and zucchini first, as they need longer to soften.
- Finally, add softer vegetables like cherry tomatoes and corn to finish cooking.
Remember not to crowd the pan! This allows for even cooking and prevents steaming, which keeps your veggies tender and bright.
How to Make Tortellini With Sautéed Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tortellini and Vegetables:
- 1 package (9-12 oz) fresh or frozen tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll need about 10 minutes to cook the tortellini and another 10 minutes to sauté the vegetables and combine everything. It’s a quick and wholesome meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 3-5 minutes for fresh and 8-10 minutes for frozen. When they’re tender, drain the tortellini in a colander and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This will give a lovely base flavor for your dish!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the diced bell pepper and zucchini into the skillet. Cook these for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften up. This is when your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Mix in the Tomatoes and Corn:
Now, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and corn, mixing them well with the other vegetables. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and everything is well combined.
5. Combine Everything Together:
Finally, add the drained tortellini to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together to mix and warm through. Be careful not to break the tortellini!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Tortellini With Sautéed Vegetables is now ready! Serve it warm, and if you like, top it with some grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this colorful and tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook the frozen tortellini according to the package instructions—there’s no need to thaw them first. They usually take a little longer to cook than fresh tortellini, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Corn?
If you don’t have corn on hand, you can substitute it with peas or diced carrots for a similar sweetness and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose, as they may cook at different rates!
How to Store Leftover Tortellini with Sautéed Vegetables?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative—spinach, kale, or broccoli are great additions that will complement the dish nicely. Just add the heartier veggies a little earlier to allow them more time to cook.
