This colorful dish features tasty tortellini mixed with fresh, sautéed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. It’s a perfect choice for a quick and healthy meal!
I love how the flavors come together; it’s like a rainbow on my plate! It’s easy to make, and you can enjoy it on busy weeknights or special occasions. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini are perfect for this dish, adding richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using spinach or whole wheat tortellini. You can also use a different pasta shape if tortellini is unavailable.
Vegetables: The combination of zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers adds a colorful mix. Feel free to substitute with your favorites like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots, depending on your taste or what you have on hand.
Corn: Fresh corn is great when in season, but frozen corn works just as well. Canned corn can also be used; just make sure to drain it well before adding to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute in a pinch. I always prefer fresh garlic for that vibrant taste!
Parmesan Cheese: While grated Parmesan is classic here, any similar hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option can be a nice twist!
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing vegetables is all about timing and temperature! Follow these steps for the best results:
- Start with medium heat, ensuring your olive oil is hot before adding the vegetables.
- Add veggies in stages; begin with those that take longer to cook like zucchini and peppers, then add quicker-cooking items like corn and garlic later.
- Keep stirring gently – you want all sides to cook evenly without burning.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the vegetables can brown nicely and not steam.
With these tips, your sautéed vegetables will be perfectly tender and packed with flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Tortellini With Sautéed Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 package (12-16 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 small yellow squash, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the tortellini and sautéing the veggies, and then a few minutes to toss everything together. It’s a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the instructions on the package, usually about 3 to 5 minutes, until they are al dente. After cooking, carefully drain the tortellini and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the diced zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still vibrant.
3. Add Garlic and Corn:
Next, stir in the corn and minced garlic into the skillet. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the corn is heated through and the garlic smells amazing. Make sure not to let the garlic burn!
4. Combine Tortellini and Veggies:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gently add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together carefully to combine the flavors without breaking the tortellini.
5. Mix in Tomatoes and Season:
Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a gentle stir to incorporate. Remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Finish with Parsley and Serve:
Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh flavor boost. Serve your lovely tortellini right away, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your colorful and tasty dish!
Can I Use Other Types of Tortellini?
Absolutely! You can use any variety of tortellini, such as spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, especially if the tortellini you choose has different cooking recommendations.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Add?
You can easily customize this dish based on what you have on hand. Consider using broccoli, asparagus, or spinach in place of or in addition to the vegetables listed. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed; veggies that take longer to cook should be added first!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes, making this dish vegan is simple! Substitute the cheese tortellini for a vegan variety and skip the Parmesan cheese at the end. Enjoy your vibrant and delicious vegan tortellini dish!
