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Spinach Mushroom Tortellini

Featured in: Wholesome Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal

A warm dish with tortellini in a creamy, cheesy sauce packed with sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, and sweet caramelized onions. Perfect for a vegetarian dinner.

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Updated on Tue, 06 May 2025 17:13:13 GMT
Cheesy tortellini pasta with caramelized onions, spinach, and mushrooms in a soft cream sauce. Pin it
Cheesy tortellini pasta with caramelized onions, spinach, and mushrooms in a soft cream sauce. | cookingkitchn.com

Velvety Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Sweetened Onions

I whipped up this snug pasta creation when I wanted something nice but was short on time. The blend of sweet softened onions with woody mushrooms and soft tortellini swimming in that smooth sauce is total happiness on a plate. Whenever I cook it, wonderful smells take over my kitchen and everyone wants more.

Why This Dish Will Win You Over

This meal has turned into my favorite when I'm after something that seems elegant without being complicated:

  • It's completely filling without any meat though I'll throw in some chicken when I want extra protein
  • You likely have most stuff in your pantry already it's that straightforward
  • Great for hectic nights particularly if you cook those onions beforehand
  • Fits whatever noodles you've got around I've tried everything from tortellini to basic penne

Ingredients for Velvety Spinach Mushroom Tortellini

  • Tortellini: Whatever type you prefer I think the cheese-stuffed ones taste best.
  • Spinach: Young baby spinach dissolves wonderfully into the sauce.
  • Mushrooms: Pick the ones you like they all add their own magic.
  • Onions: Spending time to brown them slowly really transforms the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives our sauce that smooth luxurious feel.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings that ideal salty kick.
  • Butter and Olive Oil: This combo creates incredible flavor.

Easy Cooking Instructions

Brown the Onions
Begin with melting butter and oil in a big skillet over low-medium heat. Drop in your cut onions and cook them slowly turning now and then until they become deep amber about 25-30 minutes. They should end up sweet and thick like jam.
Cook the Mushrooms
Using the same pan turn up the heat to medium-high. Put your mushrooms in just one layer don't stack them. Let them sit untouched until golden on one side around 5 minutes then turn them over. Cook until they're nicely browned and dry.
Boil the Tortellini
Fill a big pot with salty water and bring it to a full boil. Toss in your tortellini and cook only until they pop up to the top about 3-4 minutes. Drain them well but keep a cup of that cooking water for later.
Create the Sauce
Turn down the heat to medium. Add your heavy cream and let it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes. Mix in the Parmesan stirring until it's completely melted. Add your fresh spinach and watch it shrink into the sauce around 2 minutes. If needed pour in splashes of pasta water to get the thickness you want.
Mix Everything
Put your finished tortellini browned onions and mushrooms into the sauce. Carefully mix it all together until fully covered and hot about 2-3 minutes. Try it and add salt and pepper if needed.
Dish It Up
Put straight into warm bowls. Top with some extra freshly grated Parmesan a bit of black pepper and maybe some fresh herbs if you'd like. Enjoy right away while the sauce is still perfectly creamy.

Kitchen Secrets

  • Do Beforehand: Those onions stay good in the fridge for days make extra.
  • Swap Things Out: Any pasta shape does the job just grab what you like.
  • Warm Up Smart: Use low heat and a bit of cream to keep everything smooth.
  • No Gluten Needed: Just use your top gluten-free pasta instead.
A smooth pasta meal with tortellini, cooked mushrooms, and wilted spinach, topped with black pepper. Pin it
A smooth pasta meal with tortellini, cooked mushrooms, and wilted spinach, topped with black pepper. | cookingkitchn.com

Tasty Twists

  • Mix In Protein: Now and then I toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp it's really good.
  • Plant-Based Version: Coconut milk works just as well for creaminess.
  • More Vegetables: Chuck in any veggies from your fridge they'll swim nicely in this sauce.
  • Melty Cheese Top: A quick run under the broiler makes it something special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this beforehand?

Yes, caramelize the onions a few days early and keep them in the fridge.

→ What mushrooms should I choose?

Go with any—like cremini, button, shiitake, portobello, or even oyster mushrooms.

→ Any cream substitutes?

Try half-and-half with parmesan or swap it for coconut milk for a twist.

→ Can I include meat?

Absolutely! Toss in grilled steak, pork, chicken, or shrimp if you’d like.

→ Can it be gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta, ravioli, or gnocchi instead of tortellini.

Spinach Mushroom Tortellini

Tender tortellini in a cheesy sauce with earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and lightly caramelized onions. A hearty meal for pasta lovers.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Vegetarian Picks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 9 oz cheesy tortellini.
02 3 tbsp olive oil (split use).
03 A cup of heavy cream.
04 8 oz of spinach leaves.
05 Two big yellow onions.
06 Season with 1/4 tsp of black pepper.
07 A pinch of salt (1/4 tsp for recipe).
08 8 oz mushrooms, sliced.

Instructions

Step 01

Sprinkle a little salt, turn the heat down to medium-low, and cook for about 10 minutes more. Stir often till they're rich and golden.

Step 02

Cut the onions into thin slices, then heat 2 tbsp olive oil in your skillet over medium heat.

Step 03

Take the caramelized onions out of the pan and place them in a bowl for later.

Step 04

Lower to medium, keep stirring regularly, and cook them an extra 10 minutes.

Step 05

Pour the last tablespoon of olive oil into your skillet and toss sliced mushrooms with a pinch of salt.

Step 06

Turn the heat up and, for about 10 minutes, let the onions sizzle. Keep stirring so they don't burn.

Step 07

Let everything simmer for just 2–3 minutes more till the cream thickens a bit.

Step 08

Slowly add the heavy cream and 1/4 tsp of salt, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 09

When the mushrooms have softened, toss in the fresh spinach. Stir until they start wilting.

Step 10

Mix the caramelized onions back into the skillet along with the mushrooms and spinach.

Step 11

Get your pasta pot ready. Follow the package directions to cook tortellini to perfect al dente texture.

Step 12

Sprinkle black pepper over everything just before serving. Serve it hot!

Step 13

Toss the drained tortellini right into the creamy sauce. Mix gently to coat.

Step 14

Cook the mushrooms for about 5 minutes while stirring here and there so they soften up.

Step 15

Use more fresh-cracked pepper on top for a little extra flavor, if you’d like.

Notes

  1. Vegetarian option.
  2. Can prep ahead.
  3. Thick and creamy sauce.
  4. Feels gourmet-quality.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big skillet.
  • Pot for boiling pasta.
  • Strainer for tortellini.
  • Knife for chopping.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream and cheese in tortellini).
  • Wheat (used in pasta).
  • Eggs (ingredient in pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 544
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 14 g