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Delicious Tortellini with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Delicious Tortellini with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

5.3 from 19 reviews

A delightful and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish featuring fresh tortellini pasta tossed in a luscious lemon butter sauce with sautéed onions, garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil for a refreshing and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 20 ounces fresh tortellini pasta

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced thin

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Begin by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. Monitor the pasta closely to ensure it reaches an al dente texture, providing the perfect tender bite. Once done, drain the tortellini thoroughly but do not rinse; allowing the starches to remain helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: While the tortellini is cooking, heat butter, chopped onion, minced garlic, and olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium-sized saucepan. Cover and cook until the onions become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. This step infuses the base of your sauce with rich and aromatic flavors.
  3. Add Seasoning and Lemon Juice: Once the onions are soft, add the lemon juice along with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture and let it cook uncovered for an additional minute. This step introduces a bright and refreshing citrus note that balances the richness of the butter.
  4. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the drained tortellini to the sauce. Gently stir to coat the tortellini evenly with the lemon butter sauce, taking care not to break the pasta. This ensures every bite is flavorful and luscious.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated tortellini to serving plates. Garnish generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese and thinly sliced fresh basil. These final touches add a burst of flavor and vibrant color. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.

Notes

  • Do not rinse cooked tortellini to keep the sauce clinging to the pasta.
  • Use fresh tortellini for best texture and flavor; frozen can also be used but may lengthen cooking time.
  • Adjust lemon juice quantity based on your preferred level of citrus tang.
  • Fresh basil can be substituted with parsley or oregano for different flavor profiles.
  • To make it vegetarian, ensure your tortellini filling and parmesan cheese fit vegetarian standards.

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini, lemon butter sauce, Italian pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, fresh basil, parmesan cheese