How to make Creamy Skillet Tortellini with Sweet Potato and Spinach

Creamy Skillet Tortellini with Sweet Potato and Spinach

Creamy Skillet Tortellini with Sweet Potato and Spinach is a delightful dish that offers comfort and flavor in every bite. This recipe combines tender cheese tortellini with vibrant baby spinach and the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy weeknight dinners to special gatherings, this dish is sure to satisfy both the palate and the soul. With its creamy sauce and wholesome ingredients, Creamy Skillet Tortellini with Sweet Potato and Spinach is a comforting and delicious meal that will leave you craving for more.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 1021 kcal

Equipment

• 1 heavy-bottomed 10- or 12-inch skillet

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large sweet potato about 3/4 to 1 pound, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 5-ounce bag baby spinach or 1 large bunch spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1 12-ounce bag frozen cheese tortellini

Instructions

 

• Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed 10- or 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
• Stir in the sweet potato cubes, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are just starting to soften.
• Uncover the skillet and add the broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a spatula to dissolve the browned bits. Add the spinach in handfuls, stirring until it wilts down, before adding more.
• Stir in the half-and-half, then cover once more and bring the liquid to a simmer.
• Uncover and stir in the tortellini. Cook, stirring frequently, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the tortellini are plump and cooked through.
• Serve immediately.

Keyword baby spinach, Sweet Potato

Cooking tips about Creamy Skillet Tortellini with Sweet Potato and Spinach

• Prep Ingredients in Advance: Before you start cooking, prepare all your ingredients. This includes washing and chopping the sweet potatoes and spinach, as well as measuring out any other ingredients like garlic, onion, and cheese.
• Cook Tortellini Al Dente: When cooking the cheese tortellini, follow the package instructions and cook them until they are al dente. This ensures that they retain their texture and do not become mushy when added to the skillet later.
• Season Well: Don’t be afraid to season each component of the dish generously with salt and pepper. Season the sweet potatoes while roasting, season the spinach as it wilts, and season the creamy sauce to taste.
• Roast Sweet Potatoes Properly: When roasting the sweet potatoes, spread them out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause them to steam instead of roast. Roast them until they are tender and caramelized around the edges for maximum flavor.
• Wilt Spinach Carefully: Add the baby spinach to the skillet in batches, allowing each batch to wilt before adding more. This ensures that the spinach cooks evenly and prevents overcrowding in the skillet.
• Add Cream Gradually: When adding the heavy cream to the skillet, pour it in gradually while stirring constantly. This helps prevent curdling and ensures a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Melt Cheese Slowly: If you’re adding cheese to the creamy sauce, sprinkle it in gradually and stir continuously until it melts completely. This prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a silky-smooth texture.
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta cooking water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken slightly.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the Creamy Skillet Tortellini with Sweet Potato and Spinach with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil. This adds a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish.

Serving suggestions about Creamy Skillet Tortellini with Sweet Potato and Spinach

• Garlic Bread: Serve the tortellini alongside warm, crusty garlic bread or garlic knots. The garlic-infused bread pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and adds a delicious crunch to the meal.
• Green Salad: Balance out the richness of the tortellini by serving it with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The crisp, refreshing greens provide a contrast to the creamy pasta dish.
• Crusty Baguette: Accompany the tortellini with slices of crusty baguette or Italian bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. The bread soaks up the sauce and adds an extra element of texture to the meal.
• Grilled Chicken: For a heartier meal, serve the tortellini with grilled or roasted chicken breast. The tender, juicy chicken complements the creamy pasta and adds protein to the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair the tortellini with a side of roasted vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. The caramelized flavors of the roasted vegetables complement the sweetness of the sweet potatoes in the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tortellini just before serving for an extra burst of flavor. The salty, nutty cheese enhances the richness of the creamy sauce and adds a savory touch to the dish.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish the tortellini with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or chives for a pop of color and freshness. The herbs add a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients in the dish.
• Cracked Black Pepper: Finish the tortellini with a crack of freshly ground black pepper for a subtle kick of heat and added depth of flavor. The pepper enhances the savory notes in the dish and adds a finishing touch to the presentation.