Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Skewers with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Skewers with Sun-Dried Tomatoes are a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining tender tortellini with a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated weeknight meal, they are as elegant as they are approachable.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Fresh, refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Heavy cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh spinach
- Fresh garlic
- Lean ground beef
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Halved cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain them immediately and rinse with cold water, then toss with a tiny drizzle of olive oil. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Beef (If Using): In a large skillet, brown your lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat and set aside.
- Build the Creamy Tuscan Sauce: In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan and let it simmer for a minute.
- Add the fresh spinach to the pan and stir until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Return the cooked beef to the sauce and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine and Coat: Gently add the slightly cooled tortellini to the skillet with the creamy Tuscan sauce and toss until coated.
- Assemble Your Skewers: Take your pre-soaked skewers and begin threading. Start with a sauced tortellini, then a basil leaf, followed by a cherry tomato, and a mozzarella ball. Repeat and add pieces of cooked beef if desired.
- Serve: Arrange the skewers on a platter and garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning. Ensure the sauce is thick enough to cling to the tortellini. Allow tortellini to cool slightly before skewering to prevent squishing. You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store components separately.