Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful dish that captures the essence of summer. This easy tortellini recipe features rich cheese tortellini paired with vibrant sautéed zucchini, fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, and aromatic herbs, all enveloped in a zesty marinara sauce. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a light lunch on a warm day. With its colorful ingredients and delicious flavors, this dish stands out as a summertime favorite.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing seasonal summer veggies ensures vibrant flavors and nutrients.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish; it pairs well with various proteins.
Family-Friendly: Kids love cheese tortellini! This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Healthy Choice: Packed with vegetables and cheese, this dish offers a nutritious yet satisfying meal.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, gather some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Perfect for boiling tortellini efficiently without overcrowding.
12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet: Offers ample space for sautéing vegetables evenly.
Cutting board & Sharp knife: Ensures safe and precise chopping of veggies for optimal texture.
Wooden spoon: Great for tossing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

An easy tortellini recipe! Made with rich cheese tortellini, fresh sautéed zucchini, tomatoes, corn, and onion, and it’s all coated in an herby marinara sauce. Quite easily a perfect summer dish!

Pasta

20 oz. refrigerated three cheese tortellini

Vegetables

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion (chopped (1 1/2 cups))
2 ears corn (kernels cut from cobs (about 2 cups))
2 cups (12 oz) grape tomatoes
2 medium (12 oz total) zucchini (sliced into half moons about 1/4-inch thick)
3 garlic cloves (minced (1 Tbsp))

Sauce

1 1/4 cups marinara sauce (half of a 24 oz jar)
Salt (and freshly ground black pepper)

Toppings

1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (divided)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Step 1: Boil the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini for one minute less than the package directions suggest. While waiting for the water to boil, you can start prepping your vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In your sauté pan or deep skillet:
1. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the corn and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the grape tomatoes and sauté for an additional 3 minutes.
5. Finally, mix in the sliced zucchini and minced garlic. Cook until all veggies are tender and many tomatoes have burst—this will take about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Tortellini and Vegetables

As your veggies cook:
1. Check on your boiling water; add in the tortellini at this point.
2. Once cooked (about one minute shy of package time), drain while reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
3. Add both the drained tortellini and marinara sauce to your vegetable mixture in the pan.

Step 4: Final Touches

Cook everything together:
1. Toss gently until heated through—this should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
2. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir in 1/4 cup parmesan, along with basil and parsley.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately by topping individual servings with remaining parmesan cheese! Enjoy your Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies while it’s fresh!

How to Serve Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Serving Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a delightful way to enjoy this colorful dish. The combination of cheese tortellini and fresh summer vegetables makes it not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Family-Style Serving

Serve the tortellini in a large bowl, allowing family and friends to help themselves. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for any gathering.

Individual Bowls

Dish out portions into individual bowls for a more formal presentation. Top with extra parmesan and fresh herbs for an extra touch.

With Crusty Bread

Pair the dish with slices of crusty garlic bread or a baguette. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious marinara sauce.

As a Cold Salad

Let the dish cool slightly and serve it as a refreshing pasta salad. Add some extra herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for flavor.

Garnished Plates

Plate the tortellini artistically, garnishing each serving with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan. This can elevate your dining experience.

How to Perfect Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

To elevate your Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies, consider these tips that will enhance both flavor and presentation.

Cook Tortellini al Dente: Ensure that your tortellini has the perfect bite by cooking it just until tender. This prevents overcooking during mixing with the sauce.
Season the Vegetables: Enhance the flavor of your veggies by seasoning them during sautéing. A pinch of salt or dried herbs can make a big difference.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They add vibrant flavors that canned or frozen options cannot match.
Add More Color: Incorporate other colorful veggies like bell peppers or spinach. This not only boosts nutrition but also makes the dish visually appealing.

Best Side Dishes for Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Complementing your Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is easy with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to enhance your meal.

Garlic Bread: A classic choice that’s perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. Toast it until golden brown for added crunch.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch to balance the rich tortellini.
Caprese Salad: Layered tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar provide a light, refreshing contrast.
Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and grilled asparagus adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with cheesy pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring depth of flavor and make your plate more colorful.
Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli can be lightly seasoned to complement the main dish without overpowering it.
Mixed Green Salad: Tossed greens with vinaigrette offer a crisp texture and freshness that balances out the richness of tortellini.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and cured meats creates an elegant starter that excites the palate before diving into the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies can be a breeze, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Overcooking the Tortellini: Always cook tortellini according to package instructions. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta that ruins the dish’s texture.
Ignoring Vegetable Prep Time: Don’t wait until the water is boiling to prep your veggies. Start chopping early so everything is ready to go when the tortellini is done.
Skipping Seasoning: It’s easy to forget salt and pepper. Always taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning for optimal flavor.
Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables enhances flavor. Opt for seasonal veggies like zucchini and tomatoes for the best results.
Neglecting the Marinara Sauce: Don’t just pour it in without mixing. Toss the marinara with the tortellini and veggies for an even distribution of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.

Freezing Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or olive oil. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies.

Can I use frozen tortellini instead?

Yes! Just follow package instructions for cooking time, which may differ from refrigerated tortellini.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to experiment with bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus for added flavor and nutrients.

How do I make this dish spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking the vegetables for a spicy kick.

Can I substitute the cheese tortellini?

Certainly! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. This recipe allows you to incorporate your favorite seasonal vegetables, making each batch unique. Enjoy this delightful dish as a satisfying main course or pair it with grilled proteins for a complete meal!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Amanda
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

Cheese Tortellini with Summer Veggies is a vibrant, quick-to-make dish that celebrates the flavors of summer. Featuring rich cheese-filled tortellini tossed with sautéed zucchini, fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, and aromatic herbs, all enveloped in a zesty marinara sauce, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

20 oz. refrigerated three cheese tortellini
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
2 ears corn (kernels cut from cobs)
2 cups grape tomatoes
2 medium zucchini (sliced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 ¼ cups marinara sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the tortellini according to package instructions.
In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the onion until softened.
Add corn and grape tomatoes; cook until tender. Stir in zucchini and garlic until all veggies are cooked through.
Drain the tortellini, reserving some pasta water, and add it along with marinara sauce to the sautéed vegetables.
Toss gently to combine; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve topped with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian