“Savor the moments that make life worth living.”
Cheesy Tortellini with Spinach & Tomatoes
Tortellini or tortelloni? Tortellini is a ring shaped stuffed pasta that is typically filled with meat, cheese or vegetables. Tortelloni is a larger version of Tortellini. It is a traditional pasta in the Bologna region of Italy. Until the last decade or so, both pastas were always served in a broth. Sadly, tourism (and tourists' dollars) have changed this so that now most Italian restaurants serve both pastas in various sauces. I found a 2014 quotation that read, "... the whole world is going to hell in a handbasket ... even in Bologna you will find tortellini served with sauce."
Ingredients
Instructions
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Boil the tortellini pasta according to the directions on the package.
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Coarsely chop the spinach.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 45 seconds.
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Add the tomatoes (undrained), spinach, salt, pepper, dried basil and shallot flakes.
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Stirring frequently, cook over medium high heat until the mixture begins to bubble.
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Using a medium size bowl, combine the flour and half & half. Whisk until smooth. Poor the creamy mixture into the skillet along with the grated cheese.
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Reduce the heat to medium. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
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Add the drained tortellini pasta and gently mix it into the sauce mixture.
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Plate and serve. Buon appetito!
Serving Size 1 1/4 cups
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 327kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 45mg15%
- Sodium 527mg22%
- Potassium 353mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 11g22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Choice of Cheese - Grana Padano became my choice of Italian grated cheese recently and that's why I used it. Fresh grated Parmesan (i.e. Parmigiano Reggiano) or Asiago are more commonly available and either would be fine in this recipe. Just be sure to try and use fresh grated and avoid packaged, processed cheese if at all possible. Read my blog entry Cheese ... good substitutes for Parmesan and you'll learn more.
