This skillet tortellini dish is a fun mix of soft pasta, sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach, all cooked together in one pan. It’s colorful and super tasty!
Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that means less washing up? I always look forward to making this easy dinner because it’s quick to prepare and so satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the star here! You can use fresh or frozen, both work well. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free tortellini.
Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes add a nice creaminess. If they’re out of season, you could substitute with butternut squash or even regular potatoes, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this dish because it wilts perfectly. If you have frozen spinach, just thaw and drain well before adding. Swiss chard is another great alternative.
Bacon: For extra flavor, bacon is an optional addition. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, you can skip it or use smoked paprika for a similar smoky taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice salty kick. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Cook Sweet Potatoes So They’re Tender but Not Mushy?
Cooking sweet potatoes can be tricky. You want them tender but holding their shape. Start by peeling and dicing them into uniform pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Heat the pan over medium heat with olive oil or butter. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Be patient! This step allows them to caramelize slightly, enhancing their sweet flavor.
- Cover the skillet while adding broth later; this steams them a bit. Just remember, check for tenderness with a fork before proceeding!
How to Make Skillet Tortellini With Sweet Potato And Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 package (about 9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 1 cup), peeled and diced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 slices bacon, chopped (optional for a smoky flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme mix)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing your ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything together in the skillet.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced sweet potato. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato starts to soften and get a little bit brown.
2. Add Bacon (Optional):
If you’re using bacon for extra flavor, add the chopped bacon to the skillet now. Let it cook alongside the sweet potatoes until crispy. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can skip this step and move on to the next.
3. Sauté the Onion:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This will add sweetness to the dish!
4. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Just be careful not to let it burn—garlic can turn bitter if overcooked!
5. Add Broth and Simmer:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Cook the Tortellini:
While the sweet potato mixture simmers, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes if you’re using fresh or frozen tortellini. Once done, drain and set it aside.
7. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet along with the fresh spinach and the dried Italian herbs. Stir gently and let everything cook together for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is nice and wilted and everything is heated through.
8. Add Cheese and Season:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious skillet tortellini immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy the colorful and hearty flavors of this quick meal!
This dish beautifully combines tender tortellini with sweet roasted sweet potato, vibrant spinach, and the savory flavor of bacon and cheese, making it perfect for any mealtime!
Can I Use Different Types of Tortellini?
Absolutely! You can use any variety of tortellini, such as spinach or mushroom-filled. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, many brands offer gluten-free tortellini as well.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can use frozen spinach as a substitute. Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the spinach before adding it to the skillet, so your dish doesn’t become watery.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon. You can add a bit of smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor if you like! Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will keep it vegetarian too.
