Name: Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button); 3 cups fresh baby spinach; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for a cozy, restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in under an hour, you’ll absolutely fall for Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions. This dish is the ultimate comfort food: tender cheese tortellini tossed in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, studded with earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and sweet, golden caramelized onions. Every bite is a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, high-quality ingredients working in harmony. Each component brings something unique to the table, whether it’s richness, freshness, or a pop of color, and together they create a memorable, satisfying dish.

Cheese tortellini (1 package, 20 oz): These little pasta pillows are the foundation of the dish, offering a cheesy bite in every forkful.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds depth and helps the onions caramelize beautifully.
Butter (1 tbsp): Brings richness and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown on the onions.
Yellow onion, thinly sliced (1 large): The star for caramelization, adding sweet and savory complexity.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic base.
Mushrooms, sliced (8 oz, cremini or white button): Offer earthiness and a satisfying bite.
Fresh baby spinach (3 cups): Lends vibrant color and a subtle, fresh flavor.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the luxurious, silky sauce that ties everything together.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers salty, nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp, optional): Adds a hint of warmth and complexity (highly recommended!).
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): Freshens up the final presentation with a burst of green.

How to Make Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse—the bit of pasta starch left clinging helps the sauce coat each piece beautifully.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 10–12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn soft, deeply golden, and release an irresistible aroma—it’s this step that gives Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions its signature sweetness and depth.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms

Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are soft, browned, and have released their juices. This layer of earthy flavor is essential for the dish’s rich, savory profile.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for about 2 minutes, just until it wilts. The spinach brings a pop of color and lightens up the creamy sauce, making each bite feel balanced and fresh.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken. If you’re using nutmeg, sprinkle it in now for an extra layer of flavor. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to get it just right.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, then toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to ensure everything is piping hot. Serve immediately, topped with chopped parsley if you’d like, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.

How to Serve Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra Parmesan makes this dish pop both visually and flavor-wise. For a little crunch, you could add toasted pine nuts or even a few red pepper flakes for gentle heat. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving can also add richness and shine.

Side Dishes

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or a platter of roasted vegetables. Warm, crusty bread is practically a must for mopping up every drop of that irresistible sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try serving the tortellini in shallow pasta bowls with a swirl of sauce and a scattering of herbs. For family-style dining, present it in a large, beautiful serving dish at the center of your table so everyone can help themselves to seconds (or thirds!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions of this dish in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat the tortellini gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and be sure to drain well before adding to the sauce. The result will still be delicious and hearty.

What’s the best mushroom variety for this recipe?

Cremini mushrooms add a lovely earthiness, but white button mushrooms work well too. You can even mix in some shiitake or portobello for a more pronounced mushroom flavor.

Can I make Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the heavy cream for your favorite plant-based alternative and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep things creamy and flavorful.

How do I add protein to this dish?

For extra protein, stir in cooked, sliced chicken breast or Italian sausage at the end. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver here and soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Can I prepare the onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes assembling Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions even faster on busy nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and a little bit special, Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions is the answer. Gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine, and treat yourself to a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish. Featuring tender cheese tortellini tossed in a luscious creamy sauce made with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese, it’s perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Dairy

1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter

Vegetables and Flavorings

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button)
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm.
Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness.
Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms become soft and browned, building rich flavor.
Wilt the Spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for about 2 minutes or until the spinach has fully wilted, integrating the greens into the flavorful base.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken. If desired, add ground nutmeg for a subtle warm spice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss and Warm Tortellini: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy mushroom and spinach sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm everything through thoroughly.
Serve: Plate the creamy tortellini and garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.

Notes

For added protein, stir in cooked chicken or Italian sausage during the final step before serving.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter, lower-fat sauce variation.
Substitute plant-based cream to make this recipe dairy-free.
Make sure to cook the tortellini al dente to avoid overcooking in the sauce.
Adjust seasoning like salt, pepper, and nutmeg according to personal preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired