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Tortellini Summer Vegetable Pasta
Tortellini Summer Vegetable Pasta brings together the best of seasonal produce with tender cheese-filled pasta for a meal that celebrates fresh flavors. This vibrant dish combines sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and crisp zucchini with three-cheese tortellini in a light marinara sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something both nutritious and satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish
- Loaded with fresh summer vegetables providing vitamins and fiber in every bite
- One-pot cooking method means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
- Family-friendly recipe that even picky eaters will enjoy with hidden veggies
- Versatile dish that works as a main course or impressive side dish
Why This Tortellini Summer Vegetable Pasta Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and timing. By cooking vegetables in stages, each ingredient maintains its ideal texture. The onions develop sweetness, corn kernels stay crisp, and tomatoes burst to create a natural sauce.
Using refrigerated tortellini saves significant time compared to homemade pasta. The cheese filling complements the vegetables perfectly while marinara sauce ties everything together without overwhelming the fresh produce flavors.
The pasta water technique ensures a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to every tortellini. Fresh herbs added at the end brighten the entire dish with aromatic freshness.
What You’ll Need for Tortellini Summer Vegetable Pasta
Ingredients
- 20 oz refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (1½ cups)
- 2 ears corn, kernels removed (about 2 cups)
- 2 cups (12 oz) grape tomatoes
- 2 medium zucchini (12 oz total), sliced into ¼-inch half moons
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
- 1¼ cups marinara sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese, divided
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Tools
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 12-inch sauté pan or deep skillet
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Colander for draining
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Tortellini Summer Vegetable Pasta
Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
| Step 1: | Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Cook tortellini one minute less than package directions suggest. |
| Step 2: | Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a 12-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat. |
| Step 3: | Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add corn kernels and cook 2 minutes more. |
| Step 4: | Add tomatoes and sauté 3 minutes. Toss in zucchini and garlic, cooking 6-8 minutes until vegetables are tender. |
| Step 5: | Drain tortellini, reserving ¼ cup pasta water for later use. |
| Step 6: | Transfer tortellini and marinara sauce to the vegetable pan. Cook and toss 1-2 minutes until tender. |
| Step 7: | Season with salt and pepper. Stir in ¼ cup parmesan, basil, and parsley. |
| Step 8: | Serve immediately, topping each portion with remaining parmesan cheese. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcook the tortellini – they’ll continue cooking when tossed with hot vegetables
- Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and better presentation
- Use fresh corn when possible – the sweetness makes a noticeable difference
- Save pasta water before draining – its starch content helps bind the sauce
- Add herbs last to preserve their bright color and fresh flavor
Serving and Storage Tips for Tortellini Summer Vegetable Pasta
This colorful pasta dish makes an impressive presentation for both casual dinners and entertaining. The vibrant vegetables create visual appeal that matches the delicious flavors.
Serving Tips
- Serve in warmed bowls to keep pasta hot longer
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs and parmesan shavings
- Pair with crusty garlic bread and a crisp green salad
- Offer red pepper flakes for those who enjoy heat
- A light white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to restore the sauce consistency. This dish tastes great cold as a pasta salad too!
Mistakes to Avoid while making Tortellini Summer Vegetable Pasta
Overcooking vegetables ranks as the most common error. Each vegetable needs different cooking times, which is why adding them in stages matters. Mushy zucchini or burst tomatoes create an unappetizing texture.
Using dried herbs instead of fresh significantly impacts flavor. While dried herbs work in marinara sauce, fresh basil and parsley provide essential brightness that dried versions can’t match.
Forgetting to reserve pasta water leaves you without options if the sauce becomes too thick. That starchy liquid works magic for achieving the perfect consistency.
You Must Know
- Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen – adjust timing accordingly to prevent mushiness
- Quality marinara sauce makes a huge difference – choose one with simple, natural ingredients
- Vegetable substitutions work well – try bell peppers, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes
- Pre-shredded parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting
Suggestions for Tortellini Summer Vegetable Pasta
Transform this recipe with simple variations. Try the Summer Tortellini Skillet Recipe for a five-ingredient version when time is tight. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Consider making it ahead for meal prep. The Tortellini Salad Recipe shows how versatile tortellini can be served cold. For special occasions, upgrade with sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts.
This recipe pairs wonderfully with other comfort foods like our Ultimate Chicken Casserole. For seafood lovers, try serving alongside 10-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
FAQs:
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time and ensure they’re fully heated through before serving.
Bell peppers, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, and eggplant all work wonderfully. Adjust cooking times based on vegetable density.
Use vegan tortellini and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Ensure your marinara sauce is dairy-free.
You can prep vegetables earlier in the day, but cook everything just before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth, stirring frequently. Microwave in 30-second intervals, adding moisture as needed.
Conclusion
Tortellini Summer Vegetable Pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. This versatile recipe adapts to whatever vegetables you have available, making it perfect for using up garden produce or farmers market finds.
The combination of tender tortellini, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a satisfying meal that appeals to all ages. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish always impresses.
Try this recipe tonight and discover how simple ingredients create extraordinary flavors. Don’t forget to explore variations like the Summer Garden Tortelloni Recipe or pair it with our 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake for dessert.
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
- Air Fryer Dinner: Easy, Healthy, and Delicious Meals for Busy Nights
- Dinner Salad Ideas: Fresh, Nutritious, and Satisfying Meals
- Easy Seafood Dinner: Delicious, Quick Meals for Any Night
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Tortellini Summer Vegetable Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Fresh summer vegetables and cheese tortellini combine in a light marinara sauce for a vibrant 30-minute meal. This family-friendly pasta celebrates seasonal produce with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 20 oz refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (1½ cups)
- 2 ears corn, kernels removed (about 2 cups)
- 2 cups (12 oz) grape tomatoes
- 2 medium zucchini (12 oz total), sliced into ¼-inch half moons
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
- 1¼ cups marinara sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese, divided
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Cook tortellini one minute less than package directions suggest.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a 12-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add corn kernels and cook 2 minutes more.
- Add tomatoes and sauté 3 minutes. Toss in zucchini and garlic, cooking 6-8 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Drain tortellini, reserving ¼ cup pasta water for later use.
- Transfer tortellini and marinara sauce to the vegetable pan. Cook and toss 1-2 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in ¼ cup parmesan, basil, and parsley.
- Serve immediately, topping each portion with remaining parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the tortellini – they’ll continue cooking when tossed with hot vegetables
- Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and better presentation
- Use fresh corn when possible – the sweetness makes a noticeable difference
- Save pasta water before draining – its starch content helps bind the sauce
- Add herbs last to preserve their bright color and fresh flavor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: summer vegetable pasta, cheese tortellini recipe, quick pasta dinner, fresh vegetable tortellini, easy weeknight pasta, one-pot tortellini, marinara vegetable pasta, 30-minute pasta recipe
