Spinach Tortellini in Light Homemade Alfredo Sauce is a creamy colorful pasta dish. The homemade sauce is lower in calories than the original parmesan-cream sauce but it doesn't sacrifice flavor. Fresh baby spinach ribbons and slivers of sun-dried tomatoes add additional color to the green pasta and garlic-cheese sauce. This one-pan dish is on the table in less than 30 minutes. Quick and easy meets rich and tasty. A new favorite for dinner tonight.
Next time try our spicy and delicious Southwestern Tortellini Spinach Soup.
For this recipe, you will need spinach tortellini, unsalted butter, fresh garlic, flour, heavy cream, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes.
Fresh spinach tortellini pasta versus dried
In this recipe, we preferred using fresh tortellini rather than dried. We wanted a recipe we could make in a short amount of time for busy weeknights, so we picked a refrigerated variety.
Interestingly enough, I wanted to check and see what the experts said about the quality of the dried versus the fresh. What I found out surprised me! The testers took 3 frozen, 3 dried, and 3 refrigerated tortellini pasta and did quality tests.
What they found out surprised me!!????
What they looked for:
- quality of the pasta wrapper
- the quantity of filling
- flavor of the tortellini
- the texture of the pasta
The winner of the test was a dried three cheese tortellini pasta. The experts agreed that a flavorful filling proved more important than the type of pasta. This is great news for me because I like having tortellini as part of my pantry staples.
Preparing the spinach tortellini
Whenever we make pasta recipes we always look at the directions and subtract 2 minutes, even more. In cooking terms this is called molto al dente. If it's going to be a one-pan dish it will continue to cook in the creamy sauce.
Another important step in preparing pasta is to make sure the pasta water in a large pot has enough salt. By salted the saying is as salty as the sea. Although that's not true, you should add NO LESS than ½ Tablespoon of salt for a pound of pasta.
Once the water comes to a boil, we turn it down to a simmer. If the water is boiling profusely, the tortellini could fall apart. I'd certainly be upset if my spinach tortellini fell apart.
A spider makes it easy to gently lift the pasta out of the water and transfer them to a glass dish with a bit of olive oil in it. The olive oil will prevent the delicate pasta from sticking to each other.
Now is the time to start on the sauce.
Chef's Tip
Don't use iodized salt for salting the pasta water, it gives the pasta a metallic taste use sea salt or kosher salt.
For every pound of pasta put NO LESS than ½ Tablespoon of salt in the water. You'll find chef's who use anywhere from 1-½ Tablespoons to 3 Tablespoons of salt per pound of pasta.
The amount of salt depends on how salty the sauce will be.
The pasta should be molto al dente because it will continue to finish cooking in the sauce. If you follow this rule your pasta dish will be perfect.
Time to make the light homemade Alfredo Sauce
We made this recipe for a Facebook Live last week. We needed a quick delicious recipe and this fit the bill. If you'd like to see the video, you can find it here.
The creamy garlic-parmesan sauce comes together very quickly. Have all the ingredients measured and ready to go. This homemade Alfredo sauce is so quick and easy you won't have time to stop and measure.
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat melt the butter and add the garlic. Cook for a minute or so and then a. . .
- A light dusting of flour over the melted butter and garlic whisking until it becomes pasty and begins to smell deliciously nutty.
- Whisk in the heavy cream and part of the chicken broth.
- Stir in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Gently fold in the spinach tortellini
Your exquisite dish is ready to plate and eat. This great recipe is done in 30 minutes or less. We know you'll love the rich taste of the Spinach Tortellini and you'll love even more how easy it is.
Our Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is another delicious recipe using the basic creamy, garlic parmesan sauce. I know your family will love it.
If you love pasta recipes like our ravioli, we linked to more down below.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
YOU MAY NEED ...
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We love our pasta pot and when we're home we always use it along with the spider. It's only when you don't have the little conveniences that you have to make do. The over-the-sink strainer is great.
Spinach Tortellini in Light Homemade Alfredo Sauce
This spinach tortellini one-pan recipe is incredibly easy but the delicious garlicky homemade Alfredo Sauce gives the dish a rich creamy taste without a lot of calories. The sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach give the pasta recipe an additional layer of flavor. I'm certain this will be a family favorite.
If you're craving a hearty rich soup that tastes like a pasta Alfredo, you'll have to make out rich and creamy White Lasagna Soup.
Warm up with this cozy tortellini soup recipe, it's easy to make and packed with pasta and fresh veggies.
If you like this recipe please give it a 5-star rating.
📖 Recipe
Spinach Tortellini in Light Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Equipment Needed
Ingredients
- 9 oz. spinach tortellini or cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup chicken broth or vegetable stock separated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 5 oz. baby spinach coarsely chopped
- 7 oz. sun-dried tomatoes (jar)
- red pepper flakes optional
- fresh basil optional for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Drop the spinach tortellini into the boiling water and cook pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions.
- While the tortellini boils, start on the creamy sauce. Over medium heat, melt the butter in a large skillet. Stir in the garlic red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant., about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the flour and keep stirring until it's absorbed and becomes pasty and smells nutty.
- Slowly whisk in the cream until it is smooth. Add ½ cup chicken broth and whisk until combined.
- Add the salt and Parmesan cheese. Allow it to simmer until thickened. About 2-3 minutes. If it seems too thick add another ¼ cup chicken broth to the tortellini sauce.
- Stir in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Transfer the drained tortellini to the skillet and gently stir to coat the pasta with the sauce. Serve immediately.
- Top with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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First Published February 3, 2018. Updated August 29, 2021 to include additional information and for better reader experience.
Nate
This was amazing! I was looking for a good recipe and everyone at home approves! We ate it with Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon!
Marisa Franca
Hi Nate! Thank you very much for taking the time to comment and your nice review. Hope you and your family have a wonderful coming year!
Amelia Marek
This recipe is very easy to make. The changes we made were more butter about one tablespoon, used all the chicken stock and a tiny bit more red pepper. We use very good red pepper. The jar of sun dried tomatoes was 20 oz so we used it all. Great recipe that comes together very quickly and tastes great. We loved it. Enough for two meals for us seniors. Enjoy
Marisa Franca
Ciao, Amelia! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe and thank you for taking the time to comment. Happy cooking and happier dining!!
Dee | Grammy's Grid
YUM, spinach! Looks so good. Thanks so much for linking up with me at the Unlimited Monthly Link Party 23. Pinned!
Michelle
Wow, I cannot tell you how amazing that looks. I love tortellini and that sauce looks perfect - not too heavy but plenty of flavor. Yummm!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Michelle! We like it because it is lighter than regular Alfredo and it still has plenty of taste.
Albert Bevia
Just the presentation of this dish makes me want to eat this right now! I will also use fresh spinach tortellini to make this, incredible recipe, quick, easy and done in a flash...love this
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Albert! It is a quick and easy dish -- I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Rosemary
It hasn't snowed in Rome in 6 years, but we got it today and I can tell you this Tortellini dish is exactly what I need today. Delicious.
Veronika
I love pasta with alfredo sauce! These tortellini with alfredo sauce look so delicious, I definitely need to make them!)
lauren
Hooray for one pan meals! There's so much creamy goodness going on in here!
Leslie Haasch
I'm such a sucker for a creamy pasta dish, and this is no exception!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Leslie! It is such a great tasting pasta with lots of underlying flavors.
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
Marisa, what a gorgeous dish - and delicious as well, of course! I like the addition of the fresh spinach, and the sauce sounds perfect!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Jean. It was really easy to make the complex flavors fool you. Happy Sunday!!
Abby @ WinsteadWandering
I don't always care for alfredo sauce because it can get a bit heavy and thick. I love that yours is lighter! It looks so perfect!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Abby! We're the same way, we don't like it to overwhelm.
Analida @ ethnicspoon.com
The sauce sounds fantastic! I love the research on the tortellini and I have been buying the fresh refrigerated but I think I will pick up some dried to keep on the pantry too. Those come in so handy! Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
Kate
I love using sun-dried tomatoes in pasta recipes! Such a beautiful flavor.
dixya @food, pleasure, and health
tortellini is one of my fav but for some reason, i hardly ever eat or buy them. needs to change that immediately.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Dixya! We love it and it's a special treat for us.
Patti @Patty Cake's Pantry
I'm so glad to read you research that dried tortellini taste better than fresh. As a frugal cook, I usually buy dry, but I feel guilty about not buying the fresh for my family. Thank you for sharing that information. I love Alfredo sauce on tortellini because of how well it clings to all the little nooks and crannies of those little "belly buttons". I really love all the things going on in this Alfredo sauce--sun-dried tomatoes and spinach are a great pairing with Alfredo sauce. Great flavors and a lighter sauce. I can't wait to make this for my family.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Patti!!! I'm sure your family will enjoy the dish -- and it's great to know about the dry tortellini.
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
I love everything about this pasta dish! I love spinach tortellini and mix it with more spinach and a light alfredo, then I'm in heaven!! And I forgot to mention the sundried tomatoes! Glorious! Hubby is going to be so happy when I make this for us this weekend!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Elaine. It is a tasty dish. I hope you give it a try. Happy Valentine's Day.
Matt Kearns
It's been so cold here in Alberta, a batch of this tortellini would hit the spot! Bellissimo!
Marisa Franca
Grazie, Matt! I really feel for you when it comes to the cold. Hubby and I are snowbirds. It's cold back home too. Here's hoping it warms up soon.
Veena Azmanov
The only time I use dry pasta is when I need a specific shape like the Penne. We love fresh pasta and the kids love helping in the process. I often choose to make whole wheat which really has now become the staple when it comes to pasta. This looks so crazy creamy and delish Marisa
Marisa Franca
We love to make fresh pasta too, Veena! It is great to freeze too.
Denise Wright
This looks like pure comfort food! That was very interesting about the dried vs. frozen vs fresh. I often use dried in soups and buy fresh for an entree. Good to know the dried is ok to use that way too. When my hubby and I first went to Italy I remember buying fresh pasta at the grocery store and we were both in heaven. I don't know if it was truly so much better or just being in that beautiful country. Anyway, this looks delicious and I can't wait to try it!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Denise. Well, this pasta was the refrigerated kind so had the quality test been with fresh I don't know how it would have ended up. These were name brands so the quality was consistent from one package to the next. And yes, the beauty of Italy would make anything taste better. ❤️
Beth
This is such a beautiful pastaa dish! Love the addition of the sun dried tomatoes!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Beth. The sun-dried tomatoes really added to the flavor. xoxo
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
I am a pasta lover. I am totally surprised they chose the dry pasta....I would have though the fresh for sure. I use both, but for the most part fresh is my "go to". Now I just need to make homemade LOL. This is great weekend, stress free dinner you can cook together. Pour some wine and cook some dinner. Sounds like a plan to me. Especially with this snowy weekend. I am SO DONE with winter!!
Marisa Franca
I'm the same way, Gloria. It all depends on what I'm cooking the type of pasta I purchase. There are quite a few I haven't tried. So many dishes -- so little time. And I totally understand about winter. You should come to the area where we are. It's cold back home so we're happy here.
Hannah
Wow, this spinach tortellini is amazing! I love soft dishes and this is way too good! :))
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Hannah. This is a dish that you'll want to repeat often, especially for company.
Jolina
I technically only know how to bake but I am slowly expanding into learning how to cook...starting with pasta. This is definitely going into my to-make list! It looks amazing. And thanks for your salty as the sea tip!
Valentina
Wow, surprised the dry pasta won, but makes sense about the flavor of the filling being so important. And I think your sauce would enhance anything. YUMMY!
Marisa Franca
Ciao, Valentina! The sauce is really good. I'm always pleased with how it turns out. Have a nice weekend. xoxo
Ciao Chow Linda
What a gorgeous and tempting dish. At first I thought the sun-dried tomatoes were prosciutto! I am surprised to read about the taste testing of dried vs. fresh and that the dried won out.
Marisa Franca
Well, Linda, I don't think prosciutto would have hurt it. The sun-dried tomatoes make it. And I'm like you, I would have thought the fresh tortellini would have won. What won the judges over was the taste of the filling.
Vicky
Would never have guessed that the dried tortellini would be the winner. Intriguing! These look delicious! YUM!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Vicky! It was a surprise to me too.
Joyce
25 minutes? Wow! 😀 I need dinners like this more often! This is SOOOO creamy looking and I can't believe how light it is! 🙂 Definitely will need to be in my rotation.
Marisa Franca
Hello, Joyce. You'll really enjoy it. Have a great weekend.
Lucy @ Supergoldenbakes
Loving this lower calorie version and who would have expected the dried filled pasta to win the taste test.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Lucy! I know, I certainly thought it would be the fresh pasta. I do like the lighter Alfredo version.
Amanda Finks
Perfect Italian comfort food! Yum!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Amanda -- it's quite tasty!
Jovina
A Pasta feast. Looks scrumptious. I like the additions you made.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Jovina. Those additions really took the dish over the top.