Cooking the Tortellini:
- Boil the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water for later.
Making the Creamed Spinach Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
- Add Cream: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream or milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts and is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Combining Tortellini and Sauce:
- Mix Tortellini with Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the creamed spinach sauce. Gently toss to ensure the tortellini are well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve Warm: Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove the skillet from the heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish: Serve the creamed spinach tortellini garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a pop of color and freshness.
- Side Dish: Although this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, it pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
Creamed Spinach Tortellini is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy of indulging in this creamy, dreamy dish.