This Skillet Tortellini with Sweet Potato and Spinach is a warm and cozy meal. The cheesy tortellini pairs perfectly with tender sweet potatoes and vibrant spinach. Yum!
Cooking this dish is super easy! Just toss everything in one skillet, and in no time, you’ll have a colorful plate that tastes like a hug. I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the star here, but if you’re looking for a change, try spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini. You can even swap it for any other pasta like penne or farfalle if you prefer.
Sweet Potato: A sweet potato adds a creamy texture. If you need an alternative, butternut squash or regular potatoes work well, too! Just adjust cooking times as necessary.
Spinach: Fresh spinach contributes a nice color and nutrients. If fresh isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it.
Broth: Vegetable broth is great for a vegetarian option, but if you’re okay with meat, chicken broth adds more flavor. Homemade broth is also a fantastic choice if you have any on hand!
Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich finish, but for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even yogurt. Coconut milk can be a fun dairy-free swap!
How Do I Get the Sweet Potato Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking sweet potatoes can be tricky if you want them tender but not mushy! Start by cutting them into small cubes for even cooking. Here’s how to ensure they turn out great:
- Heat olive oil and sauté the sweet potatoes for 8-10 minutes over medium heat. Stir them occasionally so they cook evenly.
- Keep the heat moderate so they soften without browning too quickly.
- Cover the skillet while simmering with broth for 5-7 minutes. This helps steam them until fully tender.
- Test with a fork: it should pierce easily when they’re ready!
Skillet Tortellini With Sweet Potato And Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 (9-12 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes in total—around 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sweet Potato:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potato and sauté for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally, and you’ll notice the sweet potato starting to soften—this is a good sign!
2. Add Onion and Garlic:
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic with the sweet potatoes. Cook everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This will add a wonderful aroma to your dish!
3. Incorporate the Corn:
Now stir in the corn kernels and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will bring a nice sweetness and crunch to your skillet.
4. Simmer with Broth:
Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are nice and tender. This step helps marry the flavors together!
5. Cook the Tortellini:
If you’re not cooking the tortellini in the skillet, now’s the time to boil them according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set aside.
6. Add Spinach:
Now add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir it around and watch it wilt down for about 2 minutes. It will shrink quite a bit, but don’t worry—this just adds to the flavors!
7. Combine Tortellini and Cream:
Bring back that cooked tortellini and stir in the heavy cream. Mix everything well and let it heat through for about 3-5 minutes. This step makes the dish creamy and dreamy!
8. Season and Finish:
Don’t forget to season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final stir to ensure everything is flavorful!
9. Add Parmesan:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Gently stir to combine—it will melt beautifully into the warm dish.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Skillet Tortellini warm, topped with extra Parmesan if you like. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to please!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this dish. Just cook it according to package instructions, adding it directly to the skillet once your vegetables and sauce are ready. It may take a little longer to cook through, but it will still taste great!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the cheese tortellini for a vegan version, use vegetable broth, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Also, be sure to use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to add that cheesy flavor.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the dish nice and creamy.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure everything is tender and flavorful!
