Tortellini Alfredo

When it comes to rich and decadent pasta dishes, this tortellini Alfredo recipe can’t be beat. It’s made with store-bought, refrigerated tortellini that cooks as you combine the sauce, making this a quick and easy dinner for a weeknight meal. Our recipe includes smoky ham and sweet peas for extra flavor, resulting in a filling dinner that both adults and kids will appreciate. Serve it with a simple salad, or go full comfort and make this hearty dish a full meal on its own.

Tortellini Alfredo Ingredients

• Cheese tortellini: Store-bought cheese tortellini is a great shortcut to keep in your refrigerator or freezer. It’s hearty, filling and cooks quickly, meaning you can have a solid meal on the table in just a few steps.
• Onion: To start off the savory Alfredo sauce, we begin by sauteing onions in butter. The result is a sweet and earthy base that continues to get more flavorful as the sauce simmers on the stove.
• Butter: Rich and savory, sauteed butter is the first step to giving this sauce its signature decadence.
• Frozen peas: Frozen peas cook quickly, so they’re an easy way to add pops of green color and fresh flavor to this rich sauce.
• Mushrooms: You can choose from a variety of mushrooms here, and whichever type you like best will work great. Just be sure to cut them into uniform shapes and sizes so they cook evenly and consistently.
• Ham: Ham adds meaty richness and sweet, smoky flavor to this dish. It’s a fantastic protein to add because it’s just as hearty as the rest of the ingredients and adds a deep complexity of flavor in every bite.
• Heavy whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream is what gives tortellini its signature thick, creamy richness. Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are the same thing—the thick, high-fat portion of milk that rises to the top and gets skimmed off.
• Parmesan cheese: Tangy and savory, Parmesan cheese is a key component to Italian-inspired pasta dishes, especially those made with Alfredo sauce. You’ll also use a little shredded Parmesan as a topping, if you like.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

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Cook the tortellini according to the package directions.

Step 2: Saute the veggies and ham

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In a large skillet, saute the onion in butter until tender. Add the peas, mushrooms and ham, then cook until the mushrooms are tender.

Step 3: Finish the sauce

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Stir in the cream and pepper, and heat through. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s melted.

Step 4: Combine the pasta and sauce

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Drain the tortellini and place it in a serving dish, then add the sauce and toss to coat. Before serving, sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired.

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Tortellini Alfredo Variations

• Add pancetta or bacon: If you prefer a different type of meat or don’t have cooked ham on hand, pancetta or bacon are fantastic alternatives that offer the same flavor and texture. Be sure to cook them to completion in a pan and drain off any excess fat before incorporating them into the sauce.
• Use a different type of pasta: If you don’t have tortellini on hand, you can absolutely serve this homemade pasta sauce with a different noodle. Some fantastic alternatives are fettuccine, gnocchi or even ravioli. Remember that the thicker the pasta, the better, when it comes to pairing with Alfredo sauce.

How to Store Tortellini Alfredo

To store any leftover tortellini Alfredo, allow it to come to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Affix the lid, then place it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for three to four days. When you’re ready to reheat it, simply heat it up in the microwave, in a skillet or in a preheated oven until it’s completely warmed through.

How long does Alfredo tortellini last?

If it’s stored properly in the refrigerator, tortellini Alfredo can last for three to four days.

Tortellini Alfredo Tips

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What can I serve with tortellini Alfredo?

Tortellini can be a heavy dish, so it’s best to serve it with something like a light and refreshing side salad. Aside from salad, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are also a great idea. If your tortellini is extra saucy, try serving it with some fresh bread to soak up some of the extra sauce.

How do you know tortellini is finished cooking?

You can tell that tortellini is finished cooking when it floats to the top of the boiling water and looks puffed. If tortellini ruptures and spills its filling into the pot of water, that means it’s overdone. Refrigerated tortellini will cook faster than frozen tortellini.

How can I make sure my tortellini isn’t soggy?

Tortellini cooks quickly, and it can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in a matter of minutes. To make sure your tortellini is cooked to your liking, strain the pot as soon as the noodles begin to float.