Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Italy with these 18 delectable tortellini sauce recipes. Whether you’re a classic Alfredo fan or looking to spice things up with some sun-dried tomatoes, we’ve got you covered. From comforting garlic parmesan to bold Cajun-spiced options, our collection of creamy tortellini sauces is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Classic Alfredo Tortellini Sauce
Start with the OG: a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Serve it over freshly cooked tortellini for a comforting treat.
Classic Alfredo Tortellini Sauce
Classic Alfredo Tortellini Sauce Recipe
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with this creamy and indulgent sauce, perfectly paired with tortellini.
Ingredients:
– 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
– 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Tortellini Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and flavorful sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Tortellini Sauce is a harmonious blend of creamy cheese, tangy tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Freshly ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; whisk until smooth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce for Tortellini
This rich and creamy sauce combines the flavors of garlic, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to elevate your tortellini dish. Perfect as a main course or as a side, this sauce is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over cooked tortellini, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Arrabbiata Tortellini Sauce
This bold and spicy sauce is a perfect accompaniment to cheese-filled tortellini. With its tangy tomato flavor and a kick of heat, it’s sure to elevate your pasta dish to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or canned crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Tortellini Sauce
This rich and indulgent sauce combines the flavors of spinach, artichokes, and Parmesan cheese to create a delicious accompaniment for tortellini. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped artichoke hearts and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
3. Stir in spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this flavorful and vibrant sauce made with roasted red peppers, garlic, and creamy ricotta.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 30-40 minutes or until charred and blistered.
3. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and chop into small pieces.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted peppers, garlic, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
5. Serve the sauce over cooked tortellini and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (roasting time) + 5-10 minutes (blending time)
Pesto Cream Tortellini Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and flavorful sauce that combines the brightness of pesto with the richness of heavy cream. This simple yet impressive recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pesto until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve hot over cooked tortellini, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Butter Tortellini Sauce
Lemon Butter Tortellini Sauce: Brighten up your pasta dishes with this zesty and creamy sauce!
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the lemon juice and whisk until smooth.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season with garlic powder and salt to taste.
6. Serve warm over cooked tortellini, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tomato Basil Cream Tortellini Sauce
A rich and creamy sauce that combines the flavors of fresh tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for tortellini or other pasta.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they release their juices and start to break down, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the chopped basil and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mushroom Marsala Tortellini Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and creamy Mushroom Marsala Tortellini Sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. This flavorful sauce combines the earthy taste of mushrooms with the sweetness of marsala wine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup marsala wine
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start browning, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour in marsala wine and bring to a simmer. Let reduce by half, stirring occasionally, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and flour. Bring to a simmer and let cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve over cooked tortellini and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Pumpkin Tortellini Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this seasonal twist on a classic sauce. This creamy pumpkin tortellini sauce is perfect for the fall season, pairing perfectly with cheese-filled tortellini and a sprinkle of parsley.
Ingredients:
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sage. Stir until smooth.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve over cooked tortellini and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola Tortellini Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and creamy sauce, featuring sweet caramelized onions and pungent gorgonzola cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 8 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
2. Add garlic, wine (if using), and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in butter and gorgonzola cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss cooked tortellini with the sauce and garnish with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
White Wine Garlic Butter Tortellini Sauce
This rich and flavorful sauce is perfect for elevating your pasta game! With the perfect balance of white wine, garlic, and butter, this sauce will complement any type of tortellini or pasta.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup dry white wine
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in white wine and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately over cooked tortellini or pasta, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Tortellini Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and satisfying sauce, featuring the flavors of cheddar cheese, broccoli, and tender tortellini.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese (sharp or extra-sharp work best)
– 1 head of broccoli, florets only
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 oz tortellini
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic powder and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add heavy cream, grated cheddar cheese, and broccoli florets to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
5. Combine cooked tortellini with the cheesy sauce, tossing until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Bolognese Style Tortellini Sauce
Rich and flavorful, this iconic Italian sauce is a staple for any pasta lover. With ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs, it’s the perfect accompaniment to tender tortellini.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 28 oz canned whole tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned, about 7-8 minutes.
5. Add the canned tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Rosemary Cream Tortellini Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and aromatic sauce, perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the brightness of rosemary with the creaminess of heavy cream to create a velvety sauce that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Freshly cooked tortellini (about 8 oz)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped rosemary and cook for an additional minute, until slightly wilted.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken slightly, stirring occasionally (about 10-15 minutes).
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve over freshly cooked tortellini.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cajun Spiced Tortellini Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this bold and spicy Cajun-inspired sauce, perfect for tortellini or other shapes. This recipe combines the rich flavors of Andouille sausage, garlic, and herbs with a kick of cayenne pepper.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) ground Andouille sausage
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
– 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
– 2 tbsp (30ml) tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the Andouille sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
2. Add garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve the Cajun Spiced Tortellini Sauce over cooked tortellini or other pasta shapes, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herbed Goat Cheese Tortellini Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and flavorful Herbed Goat Cheese Tortellini Sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this sauce is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 12 oz tortellini
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crumbled goat cheese until smooth.
4. Add the parsley, chives, and chicken broth. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
7. Toss the cooked tortellini with the Herbed Goat Cheese Sauce and serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with these 18 creamy tortellini sauce recipes. From classic Alfredo to bold and spicy Arrabbiata, there’s a sauce to match your mood. Try pairing garlic parmesan cream with spinach and artichoke for a decadent treat. Or, go light and refreshing with lemon butter or herbed goat cheese. Each recipe is carefully crafted to bring out the best in tortellini, whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or something new and exciting. Treat yourself to a flavorful meal with these creative sauces!