One Pot Cheesy Tortellini and Meatballs Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta dish that brings a smile to your face and fills your belly. This One Pot Cheesy Tortellini and Meatballs Recipe is not only simple to prepare but also a delightful way to satisfy your cravings for a hearty meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish features tender cheese tortellini, savory meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce all cooked in one pot. Let’s dive into this cozy culinary adventure!
The Upside of One Pot Cheesy Tortellini and Meatballs Recipe
What’s not to love about a one-pot meal? The convenience of cooking everything in a single vessel means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner. This One Pot Cheesy Tortellini and Meatballs Recipe combines the delicious flavors of Italian cuisine with the ease of preparation. Plus, it’s a great way to please picky eaters and get your family excited about veggies with a few added twists.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated – Fresh garlic provides a fragrant base.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 8 oz cheese tortellini – The star of the dish that brings creaminess and texture.
- 35 meatballs – If frozen, thawed completely; fully cooked, Italian style meatballs work best.
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes – The base for our rich sauce.
- 1 cup water or chicken stock – Adds moisture and extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – For a hint of herby goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Enhances the Italian flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing flavors.
- 2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese – For that melty, gooey goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan – Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.
Gear Checklist
- Large pot or Dutch oven – Ideal for cooking everything in one go.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Cutting board and knife – For chopping the onions and garlic.
One Pot Cheesy Tortellini and Meatballs Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In your large pot or Dutch oven, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Next, add the meatballs to the pot. If you’re using frozen meatballs, ensure they are completely thawed before adding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and start to brown slightly.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Pour in the 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of water or chicken stock. Stir everything together to combine. The mixture should start to bubble gently.
Step 4: Season the Dish
Add the dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Tortellini
Carefully add the cheese tortellini to the pot. Stir well to ensure the tortellini is submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Cheese It Up
Once the tortellini is ready, reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the 2 cups of freshly grated mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan over the top, stirring gently until the cheese has melted and becomes gooey.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and serve hot. This One Pot Cheesy Tortellini and Meatballs Recipe is perfect for a family dinner, and you can garnish it with fresh basil or parsley for an extra touch.
In-Season Swaps
- Fresh Spinach or Kale: Add a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
- Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers can be sautéed with the onions for added sweetness and color.
Notes on Ingredients
For the best flavor, use high-quality cheese tortellini and meatballs. If you prefer homemade, try making Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs With Rice for a healthier option. The crushed tomatoes can be substituted with tomato sauce or diced tomatoes if you prefer a different texture.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This One Pot Cheesy Tortellini and Meatballs Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Reader Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, usually adding a couple of extra minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
What type of meatballs should I use?
You can use any fully cooked meatballs, whether they are beef, chicken, or turkey. For a vegetarian option, look for plant-based meatballs that can be found in most grocery stores.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sautéed onions and garlic. It will add great flavor and a kick to your meal.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For something a little different, try it with Best Ever Spaghetti And Meatballs as a side!
Explore More
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells
- Best Ever Spaghetti And Meatballs
- Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs With Rice
Hungry for More?
This One Pot Cheesy Tortellini and Meatballs Recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavors that everyone will love. Give it a try, and let the comforting aroma fill your kitchen!
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One Pot Cheesy Tortellini and Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In your large pot or Dutch oven, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, add the meatballs to the pot. If you're using frozen meatballs, ensure they are completely thawed before adding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and start to brown slightly.
- Pour in the 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of water or chicken stock. Stir everything together to combine. The mixture should start to bubble gently.
- Add the dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes.
- Carefully add the cheese tortellini to the pot. Stir well to ensure the tortellini is submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and tender.
- Once the tortellini is ready, reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the 2 cups of freshly grated mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan over the top, stirring gently until the cheese has melted and becomes gooey.
- Remove from heat and serve hot. This One Pot Cheesy Tortellini and Meatballs Recipe is perfect for a family dinner, and you can garnish it with fresh basil or parsley for an extra touch.
Notes
- For best flavor, use high-quality cheese tortellini and meatballs.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Frozen tortellini can be used; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
