Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I glanced at the clock, I felt that familiar rush of panic—dinner was just half an hour away, and I had no clue what to whip up. That’s when the idea struck me, a go-to recipe that always brings smiles around the table: Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken, or creamy tortellini with ham. This dish is a lifesaver on hectic weeknights, transforming simple ingredients into a scrumptious, comforting meal in no time. Plus, the best part? You can easily make it lighter by swapping ham for turkey. So whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this creamy delight has got you covered. Are you ready to dive into this quick culinary journey? Why is Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken a Must-Try? Quick, Easy Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and mere minutes, you’ll have dinner ready, perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy Comfort: The luxurious sauce envelops every tortellini, delivering a taste experience that embodies comfort food bliss. Flavorful Versatility: Swap ham for turkey or add veggies like spinach, making this dish customizable to suit any palate or dietary preference! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Guaranteed to please both kids and adults, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Meal Ahead Friendly: Leftovers can be stored and reheated effortlessly, making “what’s for dinner?” questions a breeze! Embrace this adventure in flavor, and consider adding a refreshing side salad for a full meal experience. You’ll find that when you enjoy your cooking, it reflects in every delightful bite! Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken Ingredients • Let’s gather what you need for this comforting dish! For the Tortellini Tortellini – Fresh or frozen works; just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Cooked Ham – Adds protein and flavor; for a lighter option, swap in turkey or chicken. For the Creamy Sauce Heavy Cream – Provides that luscious richness; use half-and-half for a lighter version if desired. Grated Parmesan Cheese – Injects a savory kick; you can substitute with Pecorino Romano for extra flavor. Olive Oil – Ideal for cooking garlic without burning. Garlic (minced) – Enhances the overall flavor; sauté briefly until fragrant (about 1 minute). Salt and Pepper – Season to taste for the perfect balance. For the Finishing Touch Fresh Parsley (chopped) – Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish. Get ready to create a bowl of creamy happiness with this Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken recipe! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken Step 1: Boil the Tortellini Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions—fresh pasta typically takes about 3-5 minutes, while frozen may require a few extra minutes. Stir gently to prevent sticking, and once the tortellini are al dente, drain them in a colander and set aside. Step 2: Sauté the Garlic In a medium skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter, which is essential for a delightful Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken. Step 3: Cook the Ham Add the diced cooked ham to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. The combination of garlic and ham should start to create a savory aroma that fills your kitchen, setting the stage for the creamy deliciousness to come. Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. As it simmers, add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture that clings beautifully to the tortellini. Step 5: Combine the Tortellini Carefully add the drained tortellini into the skillet, tossing them gently in the creamy sauce to ensure they are well-coated. Heat everything together for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tortellini to soak up the richness of the sauce, resulting in a comforting Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken that is utterly satisfying. Step 6: Garnish and Serve Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the creamy tortellini to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and added flavor. Enjoy your warm, homemade dish immediately; the creamy texture and savory notes make it a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week! Tips for the Best Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Ensure the tortellini are cooked al dente for the best texture. Overcooking can lead to a mushy meal, so always taste before draining. Watch the Garlic: Sauté minced garlic until just fragrant. If it turns too brown or burnt, it will contribute a bitter flavor to your creamy sauce. Heating the Ham: Always warm the diced ham thoroughly before adding the cream. This will enhance the flavor and ensure a well-rounded dish. Adjusting Richness: Feel free to experiment with the amount of cream and cheese based on your preference for richness. A little less can lighten the dish without losing its creamy charm. Add Fresh Veggies: Boost nutrition by tossing in cooked spinach or peas with the tortellini. This not only adds color but also complements the creamy elements beautifully. Garnish with Care: Fresh parsley not only adds visual appeal but also a fresh flavor. Don’t skip this final touch for a beautiful presentation! How to Store and Freeze Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the creamy tortellini in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Reheating: Always reheat slowly and gently to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the sauce separate and lose its luscious quality. Room Temperature: Serve this comforting dish immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture. Do not leave out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken Variations Feel free to get creative with your Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken to suit your taste or dietary needs. Let’s explore some delightful twists! Turkey Swap: Replace diced ham with turkey for a lighter, equally satisfying meal. This simple swap gives you the same comforting feel but with less fat. Veggie Boost: Toss in sautéed spinach or peas for added nutrition and vibrant color. The veggies create a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce and add extra flavor. Creamy Alternative: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to lighten the dish while still preserving the creamy texture. It’s a wonderful option for calorie-conscious diners. Cheese Variety: Swap grated Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier kick. This change can elevate your dish to new flavorful heights! Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a gentle heat. The spice complements the creaminess beautifully and will delight those who enjoy a bit of a kick. Herb Infusion: Infuse the sauce with fresh basil or thyme instead of parsley. These herbs can enhance the flavor profile and bring a fresh twist to your comforting meal. Noodle Twist: Experiment with different types of pasta such as penne or fettuccine. While tortellini is traditional, any pasta type will still deliver a delicious creamy experience. Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest before serving brightens the flavors. This refreshing hint adds a lovely contrast that balances the creaminess. These variations not only enhance your meal but allow you to personalize it to reflect your preferences. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just want a lighter option, this comforting dish can adapt to suit every occasion. Enjoy exploring the delicious possibilities! Make Ahead Options Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken is ideal for meal prep, allowing you to save time during hectic weeknights! You can prepare the creamy sauce and chop your ham (or turkey) up to 3 days in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy, cook them fresh on the day you plan to serve the dish. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat until warmed through, then add the freshly cooked tortellini and toss to coat. This way, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor! What to Serve with Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken? Looking to create a well-rounded dining experience with your creamy tortellini? Here are some delightful pairings to elevate your meal! Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery crunch of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce, making every bite a dream. Simple Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad with a light vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast, cleansing the palate between rich bites. Steamed Broccoli: The vibrant green of steamed broccoli complements the richness of the tortellini while adding a nutritious element to your plate. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor provide a pop of acidity, perfectly counterbalancing the creamy sauce. Creamy Mushroom Risotto: For a decadent twist, serve alongside a small portion of creamy mushroom risotto, enhancing the Italian-inspired theme of your meal. Lemonade Spritzer: Pair with a refreshing lemonade spritzer to add a sparkling, citrusy brightness that perfectly balances the comfort of the creamy tortellini. Take your dinner from enjoyable to unforgettable with these delicious companions! Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken Recipe FAQs What type of tortellini is best to use? Absolutely! You can use either fresh or frozen tortellini for this dish. Fresh tortellini typically takes about 3-5 minutes to cook, while frozen may need a few extra minutes. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to achieve that perfect al dente texture. How should I store leftovers of Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to loosen up the sauce and keep that creamy texture intact. Can I freeze Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken? Yes, you can! To freeze, portion the creamy tortellini into a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s airtight. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove slowly, stirring to maintain the sauce’s smoothness. What can I do if the sauce is too thick after reheating? No worries! If the sauce thickens after reheating, simply add a splash of milk or cream to the pan and stir gently over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help revive the creamy texture without sacrificing flavor. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Very! This recipe can easily be adapted to meet various dietary needs. If you have allergies, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free tortellini. Furthermore, for those avoiding ham, turkey or chicken works wonderfully! How can I make this recipe lighter? Absolutely, lighter variations can still retain the creamy essence! Simply swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a light cream alternative, and replace the ham with turkey or chicken for a nutritious twist. You can even add veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition without compromising taste! Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken for Quick Comfort Food Bliss Cremige Tortellini mit Schinken is a comforting dish that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tortellini12 oz Tortellini Fresh or frozen8 oz Cooked Ham Diced; can swap for turkey or chickenFor the Creamy Sauce1 cup Heavy Cream Can use half-and-half for lighter version1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Or substitute with Pecorino Romano1 tablespoon Olive Oil For sautéing2 cloves Garlic Mincedto taste Saltto taste PepperFor the Finishing Touch2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped Equipment Large Potmedium skilletColander Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Cremige Tortellini mit SchinkenBegin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, about 3-5 minutes for fresh pasta.In a medium skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.Add the diced cooked ham to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Let simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted.Carefully add the drained tortellini into the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the sauce. Heat together for an additional 2 minutes.Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
