Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’ve come to the right place! This Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage is one of my go-to recipes. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but fancy enough to impress family and friends at gatherings. The combination of buttery goodness, earthy mushrooms, and crispy sage transforms store-bought tortellini into something truly special.

What I love most about this dish is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing flavor. In just about 30 minutes, you can serve up a comforting bowl of pasta that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: You can whip this dish up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves pasta! This recipe caters to all tastes with its rich flavors and creamy texture.
• Gourmet flair: The crispy sage adds a touch of elegance that makes this meal feel like fine dining at home.
• Versatile ingredients: You likely have many of these simple ingredients on hand already, making it easy to throw together on a whim.
• Perfect for leftovers: Make extra for lunch the next day – it reheats beautifully!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients can be half the fun! For this recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome items that create a delightful blend of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pasta

• 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage (chopped)

For the Sauce

• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Add greens: Toss in some spinach or kale right before serving for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
• Change up the mushrooms: Try using shiitake or button mushrooms for different flavors and textures.
• Make it vegan: Substitute dairy-free butter and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a plant-based version.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing for a bit of heat.

How to Make Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage

Step 1: Boil the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add your tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked pasta forms the base of our dish.

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

While your tortellini cooks, slice your mushrooms and chop your sage. Having everything ready means you can move quickly once the tortellini is nearly done.

Step 3: Crispy Sage Magic

When your tortellini is about 6-7 minutes from being done, grab a skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of butter along with olive oil over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, toss in your chopped sage. Let it sizzle until crispy—this only takes about a minute—then set it aside. The crispy sage will add an irresistible crunch!

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

In that same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic along with another tablespoon of butter. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden brown—about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally. Cooking them well enhances their flavor, giving our dish depth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now that everything’s cooked beautifully, drain your tortellini and add it directly into the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms. Toss in any remaining butter and freshly grated parmesan cheese along with the crispy sage. Gently mix until everything is well-coated in deliciousness! Season with salt and pepper as needed.

And there you have it! Serve immediately for a comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and these pro tips will help you elevate your cheese tortellini dish to new heights!

• Use fresh sage – Fresh herbs make a world of difference in flavor. The aromatic essence of fresh sage will enhance the overall taste of your dish, making it more vibrant and inviting.
• Sauté mushrooms until golden – Browning the mushrooms not only adds depth of flavor but also gives them a wonderful texture. A well-cooked mushroom is savory and meaty, which complements the creamy tortellini beautifully.
• Reserve some pasta water – Before draining your tortellini, save a cup of the starchy cooking water. This magic liquid can help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick and adds creaminess to your dish.
• Adjust seasoning at the end – Taste your dish before serving! Adding salt and pepper at the end ensures that you achieve just the right balance of flavors, allowing you to tailor it to your preference.
• Serve immediately for best results – This dish is best enjoyed fresh! The combination of crispy sage and sautéed mushrooms is at its peak just after cooking, so serve it right away for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage

Presenting your cheese tortellini doesn’t have to be complicated—simply adding a few thoughtful touches can make all the difference. Here are some ideas to make your meal shine!

Garnishes

• Freshly cracked black pepper – A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top enhances flavor and adds a beautiful visual contrast.
• Extra parmesan cheese – Grating a bit more parmesan right before serving adds richness and makes the dish look even more appetizing.
• Chopped parsley or basil – A touch of green not only brightens up your plate but also introduces an additional layer of freshness.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread – A warm slice of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this pasta dish. It’s great for soaking up any leftover butter sauce!
• Mixed greens salad – A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the tortellini while adding color to your meal.
• Roasted vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers provide a deliciously healthy contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Steamed asparagus or broccoli – These veggies add crunch and nutrition while complementing the flavors in your tortellini dish without overshadowing them.

Enjoy creating this delightful meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike! Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process as much as savoring the final result. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for quick weeknight dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the tortellini cool fully and portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
• For frozen tortellini, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or microwave directly from frozen in short intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage.

Can I use frozen cheese tortellini?

Yes! Frozen cheese tortellini can be used. Just cook them according to the package instructions before sautéing with the butter and mushrooms.

How do I make Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a vegan cheese alternative instead of parmesan.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and can be frozen for future meals.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage! It’s a delightful dish that elevates simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a quick meal prepared in advance, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experiences—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!