Creamy Spinach Alfredo Tortellini

Featured in: Weekend Comfort Plates

This dish features tender cheese tortellini enveloped in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce, complemented by fresh spinach. The sauce blends butter, garlic, cream, milk, Parmesan, and nutmeg, creating a smooth and flavorful coating. Spinach is gently wilted in the sauce for added freshness and color. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting Italian-American meal is simple to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Garnished with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper, it offers a restaurant-quality touch.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 13:31:00 GMT
Creamy Spinach Alfredo Tortellini: A comforting bowl of pasta swimming in rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce. Pin it
Creamy Spinach Alfredo Tortellini: A comforting bowl of pasta swimming in rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce. | fungeniusrecipe.com

Tender cheese tortellini tossed in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce with fresh spinach for a comforting restaurant-worthy pasta dish.

I first made this creamy spinach Alfredo tortellini for my family on a chilly evening craving something warm and comforting. The way the cheese-filled pasta soaked up the velvety sauce made it an instant favorite at our dinner table.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 500 g (1 lb) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • Alfredo Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream, 120 ml (½ cup) whole milk, 100 g (1 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Vegetables: 120 g (4 cups) fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
  • Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
While the tortellini cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Simmer Cream and Milk:
Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer stirring frequently.
Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened about 3 4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Wilt the Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until just wilted about 1 2 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce.
Serve:
Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan black pepper and parsley if desired.
Creamy Spinach Alfredo Tortellini, with vibrant green spinach nestled in cheesy, velvety Alfredo sauce. Pin it
Creamy Spinach Alfredo Tortellini, with vibrant green spinach nestled in cheesy, velvety Alfredo sauce. | fungeniusrecipe.com

Sharing bowls of this rich pasta with my family always brings back fond memories of cozy nights in fueled by laughter and second helpings.

Required Tools

Large pot large skillet whisk colander and a wooden spoon or spatula will make preparation easy and efficient.

Allergen Information

Contains milk (cream butter Parmesan cheese tortellini) eggs (in tortellini) and wheat (in tortellini). Always verify all labels for allergen and cross-contamination risks.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 490 calories 28 g total fat 44 g carbohydrates and 18 g protein.

This delicious Creamy Spinach Alfredo Tortellini recipe features a glistening, creamy sauce ladled over pasta. Pin it
This delicious Creamy Spinach Alfredo Tortellini recipe features a glistening, creamy sauce ladled over pasta. | fungeniusrecipe.com

This creamy spinach Alfredo tortellini is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying and straightforward. Enjoy every cheesy forkful.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Cheese tortellini is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well and adds a rich, cheesy texture.

How do you prevent the sauce from splitting?

Simmer gently and whisk continuously after adding cream and cheese to maintain a smooth, thickened sauce.

Can fresh spinach be substituted?

Baby spinach offers tender leaves that wilt quickly, but regular spinach can be used with slightly longer cooking time.

What seasoning enhances the flavor of this dish?

Garlic, nutmeg, and freshly cracked black pepper add depth and warmth to the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Are there tips for making the dish lighter?

Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream reduces richness, while adding sautéed mushrooms adds texture without heaviness.

Creamy Spinach Alfredo Tortellini

Cheese tortellini in a garlicky creamy sauce with fresh spinach for a comforting Italian-American dish.

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
20 minutes
Complete time
30 minutes
Created by Fungeniusrecipe Chloe Anderson

Recipe category Weekend Comfort Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Italian-American

Portions 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Meatless

What You Need

Pasta

01 1 lb refrigerated cheese tortellini

Alfredo Sauce

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 cup heavy cream
04 ½ cup whole milk
05 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
06 ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables

01 4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped

Garnish

01 Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
02 Freshly cracked black pepper
03 Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

How to Make

Step 01

Cook tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Sauté garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.

Step 03

Simmer cream and milk: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to combine.

Step 04

Incorporate cheese and nutmeg: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg. Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 05

Add spinach: Stir the chopped spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 06

Combine tortellini and sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss to coat evenly with the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce.

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley if desired.

Equipment needed

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Don’t forget to check each item for allergens. Talk to a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk products (cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, cheese tortellini), eggs, and wheat.

Nutrition (each serving)

These nutrition facts are for reference only. Always consult an expert for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 490
  • Fat content: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Protein content: 18 g