Tortellini Pomodoro (Easy and Delicious)

Tortellini Pomodoro is one of my favorite dinner recipes for a busy weeknight. Thi restaurant quality tortellini topped with homemade Pomodoro sauce is made in no time.

Tortellini pasta is such an easy recipe that never gets old and makes for great leftovers. Serve fresh with parmesan cheese or reheat for a quick lunch the next day.

I love making Pomodoro instead of a creamy sauce because it gives this tortellini recipe a lighter, more delicate, taste. On the other hand, my gluten-free ravioli goes perfectly with alfredo or another creamy sauce.

A few more easy pasta recipes I find myself making often are my instant pot spaghetti recipe, gluten free ramen and my gluten-free chicken parmesan. The whole family loves a delicious bowl of pasta! That’s why I also love just making simple Instant Pot Pasta.

Since this recipe lacks a source of protein, I like to pair it with my dutch oven whole chicken or serve a few instant pot meatballs on the side. This makes for a complete and filling meal.

What is pomodoro in Italian food?

Promodoro means tomato in Italian so when you see “Promodoro” on an Italian menu, they’re more than likely talking about tomato sauce. Pomodoro is typically perved with a type of pasta but can also taste great with garlic bread.

What’s in tortellini Pomodoro?

This easy recipe calls for fresh but simple ingredients. Feel free to add more or less spices. See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients.

Fresh tomatoes

I love using Roma tomatoes for this recipe but you can also use two 28-ounce cans of San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes.

Olive oil

Using a quality olive oil is so important in this recipe. It will make such a big difference in the flavor.

Garlic

You’ll need garlic cloves and garlic salt for this recipe. You can also use pre-minced garlic instead of cloves.

Basil

Nothing beats fresh basil leaves in an Italian recipe! It’s one of the ingredients that makes this recipe taste so authentic.

Tortellini

Use your favorite cheese tortellini for this recipe. I prefer a gluten-free version but the choice is yours.

Spices

Salt and black pepper with an addition of Italian spices like garlic salt, garlic powder, and onion powder are the staples in this recipe but you can add more is desired.

How to make tortellini Pomodoro

You can make this restaurant quality tortellini Pomodoro recipe in just a few steps. Serve it up with our gluten free garlic bread for a complete meal. See the recipe card for the full list of instructions.

Step 1: Blend the tomatoes until only a couple small chunks remain

Step 2: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over low or medium heat then add the onions and fry for 4 minutes until just softened

Step 3: Add the garlic and continue cooking another 4-6 minutes on medium-high heat

Step 4: Add the tomato puree, garlic salt, onion salt and half the basil and simmer for 25 minutes

Step 5: Cook the tortellini according to package directions and strain

Step 6: Finish the sauce with the remaining basil by stirring it in and adding any salt and pepper necessary

Step 7: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce with (2 cups of the pasta water optional)and stir to coat pasta

Pro tip: Add parmesan cheese to your tortellini pasta for some extra flavor.

Expert tips and FAQs

Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!

NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!

Tortellini Pomodoro

5 from 12 votes

Tortellini Pomodoro is one of my favorite dinner recipes for busy weeknights. Thi restaurant quality tortellini topped with homemade Pomodoro sauce is made in no time.

Tortellini pasta is such an easy recipe that never gets old and makes for great leftovers. Serve fresh with parmesan cheese or reheat for a quick lunch the next day.

PRINT RECIPE

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian/American

Keyword: pomodoro, tortellini

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 329kcal

Ingredients

• ▢ 4 pounds fresh tomatoes (two 28-ounce cans of San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes also work)
• ▢ 1 1/2 tablespoons good quality olive oil
• ▢ 1 yellow onion, diced small
• ▢ 2 minced garlic cloves
• ▢ 12 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon onion salt
• ▢ additional salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ 16 ounces tortellini (we use a gluten-free cheese variety)

Instructions

• Blend the tomatoes until only a couple small chunks remain
• In a large stock pot, heat the olive oil over low heat then add the onions and fry for 4 minutes until just softened and translucent, roughly 8 minutes
• Add the garlic and continue cooking another 4-6 minutes until the onions have just softened and are translucent
• Add the tomato puree, garlic salt, onion salt and half the basil and simmer for 25 minutes
• Cook the tortellini according to package directions and strain
• Finish the sauce with the remaining basil by stirring it in and adding any salt and pepper necessary
• Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and stir to coat pasta

Notes

What is the difference between spaghetti and spaghetti Pomodoro?Spaghetti and speghetti Pomodoro can both be considered a pasta or pasta sauce but Pomodoro is traditionally thicker than normal pasta sauce. Also, spaghetti sauce normally includes extra ingredients like meat or cheese cultures.

Is frozen or dried tortellini better?Dried tortellini takes longer to cook than frozen tortellini but it’s a great option if you need the extra shelf life. The outcome of the two types are very similar so use whatever is convenient for you. Dried delallo tortellini is one of my favorite brands to use.

What goes well with tortellini?Tortellini goes well with any other Italian dish like chicken parmesan, garlic bread, meat balls, etc. I like serving this dish with some type of protein to make it a complete and filling meal.

Pro tip: Add parmesan cheese to your tortellini pasta for some extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 635mg | Potassium: 750mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 2562IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 3mg