Tortellini with Peas and Cream Sauce – A Quick and Creamy Comfort Meal

There is something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of cheesy tortellini coated in a rich and creamy sauce. This tortellini with peas and cream sauce is the perfect dish for those nights when you need a quick, easy, and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It brings together tender three-cheese tortellini, sweet peas, and a luscious homemade sauce, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that is both simple and elegant.

One of the best things about this recipe is its pantry-friendly nature. You can make this meal using shelf-stable ingredients like dried tortellini, powdered milk, and canned chicken, making it a great option for meal prepping or emergency meals. At the same time, it is incredibly customizable, allowing you to add fresh ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or even shrimp for an elevated version.

This dish is also perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together in just 20 minutes. While traditional creamy pasta sauces require multiple steps and ingredients, this one uses minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor. It is creamy, savory, and packed with just the right amount of cheesiness to make every bite irresistible.

Whether you are cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a comforting dish to enjoy after a long day, this tortellini with peas and cream sauce is a recipe you will come back to again and again. With its simple preparation, delicious taste, and versatility, it is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need something fast and delicious. You only need one pot, which means minimal cleanup.

2. Uses Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

Many of the ingredients for this dish can be stored in your pantry for long periods, making it an ideal meal-prep or emergency meal. Dried tortellini, canned chicken, powdered milk, and dried onions are all great staples that allow you to make this dish anytime.

3. Incredibly Versatile and Customizable

You can adjust this recipe based on what you have on hand. Want to make it vegetarian? Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Prefer a protein boost? Use fresh chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon. You can also swap out the peas for other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or asparagus.

4. Creamy and Cheesy Without Being Heavy

This dish is coated in a smooth and velvety sauce, thanks to cream cheese and Parmesan. It gives you all the indulgent flavors of an Alfredo-style sauce without requiring heavy cream or complicated techniques.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This pasta reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers. You can store it in the refrigerator and quickly reheat it for a fast and satisfying meal the next day.

Health Benefits

1. High in Protein

With ingredients like cheese, canned chicken, and milk, this dish provides a good amount of protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer.

2. Rich in Calcium

The combination of cheese and milk makes this dish an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for bone health and muscle function.

3. Contains Vegetables for Extra Nutrients

The addition of peas brings in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, helping to improve digestion and support a healthy immune system. If you choose to add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, you boost the nutritional value even more.

4. Can Be Made Lighter

If you want a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of regular cream cheese. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini for a healthier option.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Can be made vegetarian
• Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g

Ingredients List

• 1 (12 oz) package three-cheese tortellini pasta
• ½ cup milk powder
• ¼ cup dried minced onions
• 2 teaspoons beef broth powder (or bouillon)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can peas (or vegetable of choice), undrained
• 2 cans canned chicken
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Pre-Mix the Dry Ingredients

To make things easier, combine the milk powder, dried onions, broth powder, and seasonings in a small container or jar. This allows you to quickly add them to the pot without measuring each ingredient separately.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta and Vegetables

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the tortellini, pre-mixed dry ingredients, peas (with liquid), and canned chicken. Stir everything together and let it return to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the cream cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the tortellini. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little extra water or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, comforting dish.

How to Serve

• Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal
• Pair with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a slight kick

Pairing Suggestions

• Salads: Caesar salad, arugula salad, or a simple vinaigrette-dressed greens
• Breads: Garlic knots, focaccia, or crusty Italian bread
• Beverages: Sparkling water with lemon, white grape juice, or a light herbal tea

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy. Keep an eye on the cooking time.
• Not stirring the cream cheese enough can leave lumps. Stir until fully melted.
• Using too much salt if your broth is already salty. Adjust as needed.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh tortellini for a faster cooking time.
• Add extra protein with grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a tangier flavor.

Different Ways to Add Protein to This Dish

While this recipe already includes canned chicken, there are many ways to boost the protein content and add variety. If you prefer fresh meat, grilled or sautéed chicken breast works beautifully. For a more decadent option, crispy bacon or pancetta adds a smoky, savory crunch. If you enjoy seafood, shrimp or even flaked salmon can be stirred in for a gourmet twist. For a plant-based alternative, chickpeas, white beans, or tofu work well and absorb the creamy sauce’s flavors. You can also mix in crumbled feta or goat cheese for an extra layer of richness. No matter which protein you choose, this dish will remain creamy, hearty, and satisfying.

How to Make This Dish Lighter

If you love creamy pasta but prefer a healthier version, there are several easy swaps you can make. Instead of using full-fat cream cheese, opt for Greek yogurt or light cream cheese to maintain the richness while reducing calories. Using whole wheat or chickpea tortellini increases the fiber and protein while lowering refined carbs. Another way to lighten up the dish is by adding extra vegetables such as zucchini noodles, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers, which add texture and nutrients without excess calories. You can also substitute low-fat milk instead of heavy cream or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. These small adjustments make the dish healthier while keeping it creamy and delicious.

Best Herbs and Spices to Elevate the Flavor

The creamy sauce in this Tortellini with Peas dish is the perfect base for experimenting with different herbs and spices. If you love bold Italian flavors, adding fresh basil, parsley, or oregano can bring brightness and freshness. A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper gives the dish a bit of heat, making it even more flavorful. For a deeper umami taste, stirring in a dash of nutmeg or a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a rich complexity. If you want an aromatic boost, try adding roasted garlic or caramelized onions to enhance the sauce. Each of these additions can bring a unique twist to the dish, making it taste like a restaurant-quality meal.

How to Turn This Recipe into a Baked Pasta Dish

If you love baked pasta, you can easily transform this tortellini with peas and cream sauce into a cheesy baked casserole. After cooking the pasta and mixing it with the sauce, transfer everything into a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden topping. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want an extra crispy crust, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. This version is perfect for make-ahead meals, dinner parties, or meal prepping, as it can be assembled in advance and baked when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these Tortellini with Peas vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add chickpeas or white beans for a plant-based protein boost.

2. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh tortellini cooks much faster, usually in about 3–5 minutes, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

3. Can I use frozen peas instead of canned peas?

Yes, frozen peas work great. Simply add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure they remain bright green and slightly crisp.

4. How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze it, but the cream-based sauce may separate slightly. To prevent this, freeze the pasta without the sauce and make a fresh batch of sauce when reheating.

6. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

7. Can I add more cheese to the sauce?

Yes! Adding Parmesan, mozzarella, or even shredded Gruyère can make the sauce even richer and cheesier.

8. What type of pasta can I use instead of tortellini?

If you don’t have tortellini, you can use other stuffed pastas like ravioli or regular short pasta such as penne or rotini.

9. How can I make the sauce thinner or thicker?

If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or broth to loosen it. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or stir in extra Parmesan cheese to thicken it.

10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular dairy ingredients. Nutritional yeast can also be added for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This tortellini with peas and cream sauce is a quick, creamy, and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy nights. Try it today, and let us know how you customized it!

Print