Cheese Tortellini with Homemade Meatballs

Cheese Tortellini with Homemade Meatballs combines the comforting flavors of tender meatballs and cheesy tortellini in a savory broth and spaghetti sauce base. This hearty dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or cozy family dinner. Simmered together in a single skillet or Dutch oven, the meatballs infuse their flavors into the sauce while the tortellini cooks to tender perfection.

Finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, this dish promises to be a favorite for both adults and kids alike, offering a delicious twist on classic Italian flavors in every bite.

Cheese Tortellini with Homemade Meatballs

Ingredients:

20 meatballs, fresh or frozen (For Homemade Meatballs recipe, please see below)

1 cup chicken broth

2 cup spaghetti sauce

4 cups (18 oz) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen

Instructions

Cook the meatballs according to the package directions.

Add broth, spaghetti sauce, and tortellini to a large (12-inch) skillet or dutch oven. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 8 minutes.

Add the cooked meatballs and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.

Top with basil and parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes:

Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality meatballs, whether store-bought or homemade, and a flavorful spaghetti sauce to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Cook Meatballs Properly: Follow the package instructions carefully to cook the meatballs thoroughly before adding them to the dish. If using homemade meatballs, ensure they are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Balance Sauce and Broth: Adjust the ratio of spaghetti sauce and chicken broth based on your preference for a saucier or thicker consistency.

Simmer Tortellini Correctly: When simmering the tortellini with the sauce and broth, cover the skillet to ensure even cooking and absorption of flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or other herbs as needed to suit your taste.

Garnishing: Freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese add a burst of flavor and visual appeal to the dish. Consider adding these just before serving for maximum freshness.

Fresh vs. Frozen Tortellini: Adjust cooking times based on whether you’re using fresh or frozen tortellini. Fresh tortellini typically cooks faster than frozen, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking.

Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and nutritional value.

Leftovers: This dish reheats well for leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.

Serve with Accompaniments: Consider serving with a side salad, garlic bread, or even a glass of wine to complement the flavors of the dish and enhance the dining experience.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of meatballs you prefer, such as beef, turkey, or even vegetarian meatballs for a meat-free option.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute the meatballs with vegetarian meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Ensure the spaghetti sauce is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use fresh or frozen tortellini?

Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cheese tortellini.

Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the package instructions.

How long do I need to cook the meatballs?

Follow the package directions for cooking the meatballs to ensure they are heated through and safe to eat.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water if preferred, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish due to the texture changes in both the tortellini and meatballs upon thawing.

How can I adjust the sauce consistency?

If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken it slightly.

Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it.

What can I serve with Cheese Tortellini and Meatballs?

Serve with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables to complement the flavors of the dish.

Is this dish suitable for kids?

Yes, Cheese Tortellini with Homemade Meatballs is generally enjoyed by kids for its familiar flavors and textures.

Adjust seasoning and spice levels to suit their preferences.

Homemade Meatballs Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoon olive oil divided

¼ red onion diced

3 garlic cloves finely chopped

1 pound ground beef

1 pound ground pork

1 pound ground veal

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Small bunch of parsley leaves chopped

2-3 Sprigs of fresh oregano leaves chopped

1 egg whisked

½-3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs (can sub panko)

½ cup whole milk

½ teaspoon Kosher salt

Few grinds of freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions:

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan and place over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.

Remove mixture from heat and cool to room temperature for a few minutes.

In a large bowl, add the ground meats, egg, herbs, breadcrumbs, milk, salt and pepper and the onion mixture. Mix everything very well but don’t over mix.

Form the mixture into into balls, about the size of your palm. You can line the meatballs on a parchment lined baking sheet before cooking.

Notes:

Meatball Preparation:

Use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal for a rich and flavorful meatball.

Saute the onions and garlic until caramelized before mixing into the meatball mixture for enhanced flavor.

Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and oregano for a burst of herbaceousness.

Use fresh breadcrumbs soaked in milk to keep the meatballs moist and tender.

Form the meatballs into uniform balls about the size of your palm for even cooking.