Creamy Spinach Alfredo Tortellini

Tender cheese tortellini tossed in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce with fresh spinach for a comforting, restaurant-worthy pasta dish.

I first made this creamy spinach Alfredo tortellini for a family dinner on a chilly evening and everyone loved the silky sauce and gooey cheese filling. It has since become our go-to for easy comfort food that tastes special.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 500 g (1 lb) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• Alfredo Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream, 120 ml (½ cup) whole milk, 100 g (1 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, salt and black pepper to taste
• Vegetables: 120 g (4 cups) fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
• Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan (for serving), freshly cracked black pepper, chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Add Cream and Milk:

Pour in heavy cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.

Combine Cheese and Seasoning:

Add grated Parmesan and nutmeg. Whisk until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

Add Spinach:

Stir chopped spinach into sauce until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.

Toss with Tortellini:

Add drained tortellini to skillet. Toss gently to coat with creamy spinach Alfredo sauce.

Serve:

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and parsley if desired.

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My kids help sprinkle extra Parmesan on their bowls and always ask for seconds. Sharing this easy vegetarian pasta brings lots of laughter and happy memories around our table.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette and some fresh garlic bread. A simple fruit dessert makes a perfect ending.

Flavor Variations

Stir in sautéed mushrooms for more texture, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. A squeeze of lemon right before serving can brighten the sauce.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 490 calories, 28 g fat, 44 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein.

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This creamy spinach Alfredo tortellini is perfect for cozy meals and special occasions alike. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Recipe Guide

→ How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat medium-low after adding cream and cheese, stirring constantly to avoid curdling and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from thinning the sauce.

→ What cheese works best for this dish?

Freshly grated Parmesan provides a sharp, nutty flavor that blends well with the creamy sauce.

→ How long should the tortellini be cooked?

Cook until just al dente according to package instructions, then drain promptly to maintain texture.

→ Is there a way to add extra depth to the sauce?

Stirring in red pepper flakes or squeezing a bit of lemon juice before serving enhances the flavor profile subtly.