Garlic Herb Butter Tortellini

⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 10 minutes

This dish was born out of a “what do I do with this tortellini?” moment. I had some leftover cheese tortellini in the fridge and needed a savory, herby side that wouldn’t clash with the pork I was serving. Red sauce felt too heavy and not quite the vibe. So I whipped up a quick butter sauce with garlic and herbs — and now I crave this cozy little skillet pasta all the time.

Golden cheese tortellini tossed in warm garlic herb butter — the perfect savory side or simple pasta moment.

This garlic herb butter tortellini is now something I find myself making on purpose. It’s one of those recipes that tastes like it took effort, but comes together in just ten minutes with things I almost always have on hand. You get tender pasta, golden buttery edges, fresh herbs, and the warm aroma of garlic that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?”

It also works beautifully as a quick lunch or a light vegetarian main. It doesn’t need much — just a skillet and a handful of flavor-packed ingredients — but it manages to be deeply satisfying, especially on cooler days when you want something that feels homemade without starting from scratch.

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🍽️ Servings: 2 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 310

Ingredients

• 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)

• ½ tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)

• ¼ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh leaves)

• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Steps

Step 1

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside. (Skip this step if using cooked leftovers.)

Step 2

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 3

Stir in the red pepper flakes, parsley, basil, and thyme.

Step 4

Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss to coat with the herb butter.

Step 5

Cook for 2–3 minutes until the tortellini is warmed through and lightly golden in spots.

Step 6

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with Parmesan if using, and serve warm.

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Make it your own!

• 🍅 Add sun-dried tomatoes
  Stir in 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, savory punch that pairs beautifully with the garlic and herbs.

• 🧄 Garlic lovers unite
  Let the garlic brown slightly in the butter for a nuttier, deeper flavor.

• 🍋 Add brightness
  Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a little lemon zest for a fresh twist.

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Try it with…

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