Description
This creamy Ham Tortellini skillet recipe is a quick, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender cheese tortellini, savory diced ham, and a luscious cream and Monterey Jack cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of crushed red pepper for a flavorful Italian-inspired dish that cooks in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cups diced ham (approximately 1 pound)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Toppings
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Ham and Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced ham and finely chopped onions. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the onions become tender and the ham is lightly browned, developing savory flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic to maintain its aromatic essence.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the frozen cheese tortellini, low sodium chicken broth, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the tortellini is tender and thoroughly cooked.
- Incorporate Cheese and Cream: Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and heavy cream, mixing until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, coating the tortellini beautifully.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the hot tortellini immediately. Top with fresh chopped parsley and shredded Parmesan cheese for added freshness and cheesy richness, if desired.
Notes
- You can use any cheese tortellini you prefer, but cheese-filled varieties work best for creaminess.
- If you like a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Low sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level; adjust seasoning if using regular broth.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish can be complemented with a green side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Ham tortellini, creamy pasta skillet, easy weeknight dinner, cheese tortellini recipe, quick pasta with ham
