Description
Spinach tortellini create a comforting Italian-inspired dish packed with rich, creamy flavors. Cheese-filled pasta mingles with tender spinach in a luxurious sauce that welcomes you to savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (8 oz/226 g) packages dried tortellini
- 5 oz/142 g fresh spinach
- 2 (12 oz/340 g) cans evaporated milk
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 8 tbsps butter
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 medium to large carrots, peeled
- 2 medium to large celery stalks
- 1 medium white or yellow onion
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables: Uniformly dice carrots, celery, and onion into precise 1/4-inch cubes to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
- Sauté Foundation: Heat olive oil in a heavy stockpot over medium-high heat, then introduce diced vegetables, cooking until onions become translucent and vegetables soften.
- Season Mixture: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning over the vegetable base, stirring to distribute flavors thoroughly.
- Create Roux: Melt butter and dust flour over the vegetable mixture, whisking consistently to develop a smooth, cohesive sauce base with a golden undertone.
- Build Liquid Layer: Gradually stream vegetable stock into the pot, whisking continuously to eliminate lumps and create a silky, unified sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes to intensify flavor complexity.
- Develop Creamy Texture: Incorporate evaporated milk, maintaining a gentle simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to enhance the rich, velvety consistency.
- Cook Tortellini: Add dried cheese tortellini, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and monitor sauce thickening.
- Finish Dish: Fold fresh spinach leaves into the simmering mixture, allowing them to wilt for 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings to create a perfectly balanced, creamy tortellini delight.
Notes
- Precision Chopping Matters: Uniform 1/4-inch vegetable cuts ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Heat Management is Key: Use medium-high heat to develop deep flavor without burning vegetables or creating bitter undertones.
- Whisk with Purpose: Continuous whisking prevents lumps and creates a smooth, velvety sauce base that binds all ingredients perfectly.
- Spinach Wilting Technique: Add spinach last and let it gently wilt for exactly 3 minutes to maintain vibrant color and prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg