There’s something about a big bowl of Tortellini with cream sauce, velvety sauce that feels like a warm, comforting hug at the end of a long day. This dish is everything you could want in a meal—rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or need a quick meal that tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant, this recipe is the perfect choice. The best part? It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
I first discovered this recipe when I needed to whip up something comforting without much effort. I had a pack of dried tortellini sitting in my pantry, a block of cream cheese in the fridge, and a can of peas that had been waiting to be used. then decided to throw them together, and what I ended up with was one of the creamiest, most flavorful pasta dishes I had ever made. The peas add a touch of sweetness, the cream cheese creates an ultra-luxurious sauce, and the tortellini, filled with cheese, gives every bite a burst of richness. This recipe has since become a go-to for me, especially when I need something quick but still indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Tortellini with cream sauce Recipe
This tortellini with peas and cream sauce is a must-try for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under half an hour. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t have the time or energy for a complicated dish.
Another reason to love this recipe is that it’s budget-friendly and pantry-friendly. Many of the ingredients, like dried tortellini, canned peas, and cream cheese, are items you might already have in your kitchen. This makes it a fantastic last-minute meal idea when you need to put something together without an extra grocery run. Plus, the fact that it uses pantry staples means you can always keep the ingredients on hand, ensuring you have a go-to meal whenever you need it.
The rich, creamy texture of this dish is another big selling point. The cream cheese melts into a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the tortellini, while the peas provide a slight pop of freshness to balance out the richness. Every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness, making it the ultimate comfort food. And if you love versatile recipes, you’ll be happy to know that this dish is highly customizable. You can swap out the peas for spinach, add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or even throw in some red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat. No matter how you tweak it, the result will always be a creamy, delicious dish that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients of this Tortellini with cream sauce recipe
For this recipe, you’ll need a combination of dry ingredients that you can store for later use and fresh ingredients that bring everything together. This makes meal prep even easier, as you can have the dry mix ready in advance and just add the fresh ingredients when you’re ready to cook.
Dry Mix (Store for Later Use)
- 1 (12 oz) package three-cheese tortellini – This is the star of the dish, bringing a rich, cheesy filling to every bite.
- ½ cup milk powder – This helps create the creamy base of the sauce without needing fresh milk.
- ¼ cup dried minced onions – Adds depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness.
- 2 tsp beef broth powder (or bouillon) – Enhances the richness of the sauce and balances the flavors.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Provides a subtle, savory garlic flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that complements the creamy sauce.
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors and ensures the dish is well-seasoned.
- ½ tsp pepper – Adds a mild heat that balances out the richness of the dish.
Fresh Additions
- 1 can peas (undrained) – Provides a slight sweetness and a nice contrast to the creaminess of the sauce.
- 2 cans canned chicken (or use fresh shredded chicken) – Adds protein and makes the dish more filling.
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese – The key ingredient that creates the luscious, creamy sauce.
Instructions of this Tortellini with cream sauce
1: Prep Ahead (Optional)
If you want to make this recipe even faster, you can prepare the dry mix in advance. Simply combine all the dry ingredients in a jar or resealable bag and store them in your pantry until you’re ready to cook. This way, when you’re in a rush, all you have to do is add the fresh ingredients and cook everything together in one pot.
2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the dry mix, the canned peas (including the liquid), and the canned chicken. Stir everything together, then return the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let everything cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the tortellini to absorb all the flavors while softening to the perfect texture.
3: Add Creaminess & Serve
After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cream cheese. The residual heat will help the cream cheese melt, creating a silky, creamy sauce that coats every piece of tortellini. Stir everything well until the sauce is smooth and evenly distributed. Once the sauce is fully incorporated, serve the tortellini hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Homemade Alfredo-Style Sauce Alternative
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand or prefer a more traditional Alfredo-style sauce, you can make a quick homemade version using just a few simple ingredients. Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly add 1 cup of milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Stir in ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. Use this sauce in place of the cream cheese for an equally delicious but slightly different take on the dish.
Tips & Variations of this Tortellini with cream sauce
One of the best things about this tortellini recipe is how versatile it is. If you want to switch up the vegetables, try adding broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach instead of peas. If you prefer to use fresh chicken, you can swap out the canned version for grilled or rotisserie chicken. To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. And if you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a slight spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions of this Tortellini with cream sauce
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread, which is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce. A simple side salad, like a crisp Caesar or a garden salad with lemon vinaigrette, adds freshness and balance to the meal. For a complete dinner experience, serve this tortellini with a light, refreshing drink, such as a lemon-infused sparkling water.
Storage & Reheating of this Tortellini with cream sauce
To store leftovers, place the tortellini in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, but you can freeze the dry mix separately and make the dish fresh whenever needed.
Final Thoughts
This Tortellini with Peas and Cream Sauce is a creamy, comforting meal that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
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Tortellini with Peas and Cream Sauce – Easy & Creamy Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and creamy tortellini with peas and a homemade Alfredo-style sauce is the perfect quick dinner. Made with pantry-friendly ingredients, this dish is comforting, cheesy, and ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) package three-cheese tortellini
- ½ cup milk powder
- ¼ cup dried minced onions
- 2 tsp beef broth powder (or bouillon)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 can peas (undrained)
- 2 cans canned chicken (or fresh shredded chicken)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the dry mix, canned peas (including liquid), and canned chicken. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap peas with spinach or mushrooms for variety.
- Use grilled chicken instead of canned for a fresher taste.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired