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    Home » Recipes » Pasta » Tortellini Pomodoro (Easy and Delicious)

    Tortellini Pomodoro (Easy and Delicious)

    August 23, 2022 By Chandice | 13 Comments | Updated September 6, 2022

    this post may contain affiliate links

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Tortellini Pomodoro pin

    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.

    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.

    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.

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    Tortellini Pomodoro in a white bowl

    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.

    Tortellini Pomodoro in a white bowl

    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

    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.

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    Tortellini Pomodoro

    Tortellini Pomodoro in a bowl
    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 SAVE RECIPESaved!
    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

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    Filed Under: Pasta Tagged With: pasta

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli says

      September 05, 2022 at 4:53 pm

      5 stars
      Lovely. As an Italian, I love a simple delicious sugo al pomodoro and the pairing with tortellini makes for a wonderful meal.

      Reply
    2. Marie says

      September 04, 2022 at 7:05 pm

      5 stars
      My family recipe binder can’t ever contain too many no-fuss, delicious pasta recipes! These tortellini Pomodoro made the tastiest use of my garden’s perfectly ripe tomatoes. Such a treat!

      Reply
    3. Kristina says

      September 04, 2022 at 12:13 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy to make and everyone loved it- included my little ones who get real picky about their pasta sauces. Definitely a keeper and would make it again in a heartbeat!

      Reply
    4. Dennis says

      September 04, 2022 at 12:09 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for the family last night and everyone loved those delicious tortellini and Pomodoro sauce. It couldn’t have been easier to make!

      Reply
    5. veenaazmanov says

      September 02, 2022 at 6:10 pm

      5 stars
      Simple, flavorful , quick and easy and definitely a Happy Meal for my family. Thanks for your step by step recipe detailing. Yummy.

      Reply
    6. Ashley says

      September 02, 2022 at 2:56 am

      5 stars
      This looks like the perfect weeknight dinner! And even my picky toddler loves it!

      Reply
    7. Sarah says

      September 01, 2022 at 8:56 pm

      5 stars
      This dish is so simple but so comforting. Can’t get enough. I just love the pomodoro sauce!

      Reply
    8. Enri Lemoine says

      September 01, 2022 at 11:38 am

      5 stars
      I’m wondering what the brand of the gluten-free tortellini you used to make this recipe, which by the way, looks yummy and delicious, is.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        September 01, 2022 at 7:33 pm

        Thanks! I used Taste Republic…

        Reply
    9. Megs says

      September 01, 2022 at 7:50 am

      5 stars
      the flavour in the sauce is so good! We love the entire dish and I especially loved how simple it was to make.

      Reply
    10. Adriana says

      September 01, 2022 at 4:37 am

      5 stars
      You got me at tortellini. Pomodoro marinara is also my favorite Italian sauce for pastas. Making this again tomorrow I bought all the ingredients today.

      Reply
    11. Jess says

      August 26, 2022 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      I would never have known it was this easy to make pomodoro sauce from scratch if it wasn’t for you! Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!

      Reply
    12. Hope says

      August 25, 2022 at 8:00 pm

      5 stars
      Well, I learned something new today! I had never heard of pomodoro before. I knew I would like it because I mean, come on, it’s pasta. Thank you for sharing this recipe and teaching me new things!

      Reply

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    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi there, I’m Chandice!

    I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

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