Cheese Tortellini in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
A quick and delicious Cheese Tortellini in Garlic Butter Sauce recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes. Tender cheese-filled tortellini are cooked in savory chicken broth, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with basil and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh basil garnish for a comforting Italian-inspired meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Broth & Pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini
Thickening & Sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
Garnish
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil chiffonade (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: In a large pot, bring 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and return to a boil. Cook until the tortellini float to the top, approximately 3 minutes, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain the tortellini completely.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: While the tortellini cook, whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups chicken broth with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large non-stick skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-high heat until it begins to foam. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 teaspoons dried basil, cooking for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse without burning the garlic.
- Thicken Sauce: Pour the broth and cornstarch mixture into the skillet. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, approximately 2 more minutes.
- Toss Tortellini in Sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet, gently tossing them to coat evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the tortellini coated in garlic butter sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil chiffonade if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using salted butter adds extra flavor, but unsalted butter can be substituted with a pinch of salt added to taste.
- Ensure the tortellini reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and ideal texture.
- The optional fresh basil garnish adds a refreshing herbal note and color contrast.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
