Wondering what the best sauces for tortellini are? There are so many great options! From pesto sauces, to creamy sauces, tomato sauces and more! Here are some of the BEST tortellini sauce recipes to try tonight! These simple sauce recipes are perfect for busy weeknights! Buon appetito!
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Having tortellini for dinner tonight? Let’s sauce things up!
Whether you’re making homemade tortellini, of simply boiling some store-bought tortellini, these sauces will be the perfect complement to your dish.
Plus, these recipes are quick, easy and made with simple ingredients! Meaning you can skip the store-bought sauce and whip up one of these pasta sauces instead.
Simply pick one of your favorite tortellini sauces from the list below, add a couple tortellini side dishes, and you’re guaranteed an amazing dinner!
PS – Don’t forget about the best wine with pasta options too.
Looking for a quick answer? Here’s my favorite tortellini pairings:
- Best Sauce for Cheese Tortellini = Tortellini Cream Sauce
- Best Sauce for Beef Tortellini = Marinara Sauce
🥣 The BEST Sauces for Tortellini
Note: Many of these sauces are photographed with pasta. But they’re equally as delicious served with tortellini.
Tortellini FAQs
Yes, you should cook tortellini in salted, boiling water, for 3-4 minutes, or according to the package instructions. You’ll know when they are ready when they float to the top. Then, drain the tortellini and toss them with your favorite sauce.
Drain your cooked pasta well, then add them to the warm sauce. Let the tortellini sit in the sauce for a couple minutes to allow them to absorb the flavors and soak in the sauce a bit.
There are so many delicious sauce options for tortellini. Pesto, creamy sauces, tomato sauce, pink sauce, and more!
Garlic bread, arugula salad, caesar salad, sauteed spinach, asparagus. Or check out these 30+ best side dishes.
How to Cook Tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the tortellini and cook until they begin to float (meaning they are done). It should take about 3-4 minutes for fresh tortellini. Frozen tortellini may take a couple minutes longer. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon or drain in a colander.
- Toss with one of the amazing sauces below!
How to Make Ahead and Store
Many of these easy tortellini sauce recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
More Sauce Recipes
- Sauces for Gnocchi
- Sauces for Linguine
- Sauces for Egg Noodles
- Sauces for Meatballs
- Sauces for Salmon
- Sauces for Pulled Pork
- Sauces for Pork Chops
- Sauces for Beef
- Sauces for Fish
- Sauces for Steak
- Sauces for Sushi
- Sauces for Tacos
Did you Make Any of These Tortellini Sauces?
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of tortellini recipes. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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20+ Sauces for Tortellini (EASY Tortellini Sauce Recipes)
Ingredients
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade marinara sauce)
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (roughly chopped, plus more for serving)
- 1 clove garlic (grated or finely minced)
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces burrata cheese (at room temperature)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, add the marinara sauce to a large skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, basil, garlic and red pepper flakes and keep warm over low heat.
- Once the tortellini have finished cooking, drain and add to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine.
- Divide the tortellini between plates and top with burrata and fresh basil. Enjoy!
Notes
- Set the burrata on the counter as you make this recipe. Room temperature burrata will melt quickly on top of the tortellini, making each bite deliciously cheesy and stretchy.
- There’s always room for more cheese! Stir ricotta, parmesan, or mozzarella cheese in with the sauce-covered tortellini and top each bowl with extra parmesan.
- To enhance the garlicky goodness, replace the fresh garlic with roasted garlic.
- You can lighten up the dish by replacing the heavy cream with milk or dairy free milk (or creamer) but it won’t be as lusciously creamy.
- Stir kale, spinach, or sun dried tomatoes into the dish for a little added nutrition.
- To give this dish some added meatiness, replace the marinara with bolognese sauce, use meat-stuffed tortellini instead, or stir Italian sausage into the skillet.