Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage

If you’re looking for a quick dinner that feels fancy without all the fuss, I have just the recipe for you! Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage is one of those delightful dishes that can turn an ordinary weeknight into something special. The rich flavors of buttery mushrooms and crispy sage elevate store-bought tortellini into a comforting meal that everyone will love.

This recipe is perfect for busy evenings or family gatherings. It requires minimal prep work and comes together in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish fits the bill beautifully!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the creamy texture of the tortellini paired with the rich butter and savory mushrooms.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the sauce ahead of time, and simply toss it with freshly cooked tortellini when you’re ready to eat.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter, earthy mushrooms, and crispy sage creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

For the Tortellini

• 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon fresh sage (chopped)
• 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

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Some Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Swap the Protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp.
• Boost the Flavor: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
• Go Vegan: Use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a delicious vegan option.

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

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by boiling water for your tortellini. Follow the package instructions for cooking – usually, it takes about 3-5 minutes. Cooking it first allows you to focus on preparing the sauce while it cooks!

Step 2: Prep Your Ingredients

While your tortellini cooks, slice your cremini mushrooms and chop your fresh sage. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother.

Step 3: Crisp the Sage

In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter combined with olive oil. Once hot, add your chopped sage. Sauté until it crisps up—this should take about a minute—and then remove it from the pan. This step infuses your oil with wonderful sage flavor.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

Next, add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the same skillet along with another tablespoon of butter. Cook these until they are golden brown—about 5 minutes. This process adds depth and richness to your sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once your tortellini is cooked and drained, add it directly into the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms. Toss everything together with the remaining butter, grated parmesan cheese, and crispy sage until well coated. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

And there you have it! Serve immediately for a warm bowl of comfort that feels like a hug on a plate. Enjoy every bite!

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

Cooking can be a joyful experience, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh sage: Fresh herbs make a world of difference in flavor. They bring a vibrant taste that dried herbs simply can’t match, adding a delightful aroma to your dish.

• Don’t overcook the tortellini: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy and lose their wonderful texture. Aim for al dente for the best bite!

• Sauté mushrooms until golden: Browning the mushrooms enhances their flavor through caramelization. This step adds depth and richness to your dish, making it even more delicious.

• Reserve pasta water: If your sauce seems too thick after tossing everything together, add a splash of reserved pasta water. It helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency without extra fat.

• Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. The crispy sage will lose its crunch if left too long, so serve it right after mixing for maximum enjoyment.

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

Presenting your Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage in an appealing way can enhance the dining experience! Here are some ideas to elevate your dish.

Garnishes

• Freshly cracked black pepper: A sprinkle of cracked pepper adds a nice hint of heat that complements the buttery flavors beautifully.
• Extra parmesan cheese: Grate some additional parmesan on top just before serving for an extra touch of creaminess and flavor.
• Lemon zest: A little lemon zest brightens up the dish with freshness and balances the richness of the butter.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate—plus, who doesn’t love garlic bread?

• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens tossed in a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the tortellini.

• Steamed broccoli or asparagus: These green vegetables not only add color but also nutritional value to your meal while providing a satisfying crunch.

• Roasted cherry tomatoes: Tossed with olive oil and herbs before roasting, these sweet tomatoes pair wonderfully with the flavors of cheese tortellini and add a pop of color to your plate.

Enjoy crafting this comforting yet gourmet dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Portion the tortellini into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out.
• Stir occasionally until heated through; you may also microwave it in short intervals if preferred.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish!

Can I use gluten-free tortellini for Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage?

Absolutely! Gluten-free tortellini works just as well in this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh sage?

If you’re out of fresh sage, you can use dried sage (about 1 teaspoon) or try substituting with another herb like thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.

Can Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage be made vegan?

Yes! To make it vegan, simply substitute the cheese tortellini with a plant-based version and use vegan butter instead.

How long does it take to prepare Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage?

The total time is about 30 minutes, making it a quick meal option that’s both delicious and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Cheese Tortellini with Butter, Mushrooms, and Crispy Sage a try! It’s such a comforting dish that transforms simple ingredients into something gourmet. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy making this delightful pasta dish, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try!