Description
A quick and comforting weeknight dinner featuring nutty brown butter, aromatic garlic, and cheesy tortellini. This simple recipe comes together in 30 minutes and tastes like it took much longer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 package (24-28 oz) cheese tortellini (frozen or refrigerated)
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon (for zest, optional)
- Water for boiling pasta
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Mince garlic, grate Parmesan, chop parsley, and measure red pepper flakes.
- Brown the butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add butter. Stir constantly until it foams, settles, and develops a nutty aroma with brown bits at the bottom (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat immediately if it smells burnt.
- Add garlic: Once butter is browned, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook tortellini: While butter browns, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine: Add drained tortellini to the skillet with the brown butter and garlic. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to emulsify.
- Finish: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle in Parmesan and parsley. Toss gently until cheese melts. Add lemon zest if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Use unsalted butter to control browning and seasoning. Freshly grate the Parmesan for a smooth sauce; pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Save pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Do not add garlic before the butter is browned, as it will burn. This dish is best made fresh and does not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: brown butter, garlic tortellini, weeknight dinner, easy pasta, 30 minute meals, comfort food, cheese tortellini, quick dinner