One Pot Creamy Garlic Tortellini with Mushrooms

Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Tortellini with Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 12 oz cheese tortellini; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love preparing One Pot Creamy Garlic Tortellini with Mushrooms as it’s a simple yet gourmet dish that never fails to impress. The creamy sauce combined with tender tortellini and sautéed mushrooms makes for a comforting meal, perfect for any day of the week. Plus, the best part is that everything is made in just one pot, which means less cleanup for me. I find that using fresh garlic and a hint of thyme elevates the flavors beautifully, creating a dish that's not only delicious but also aromatic.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-16T13:50:18.935Z

When I first tried this dish, I was amazed by how quickly it came together while still delivering a rich and creamy flavor. I often experiment with different vegetables, but mushrooms paired beautifully with the garlic and cream, giving it a lovely earthy note. It's reached a point where I always keep tortellini in my pantry so I can whip this up anytime I have a craving.

The trick I've learned is to let the garlic sauté just until fragrant, which infuses the cream sauce without overpowering it. This step makes all the difference in balancing the flavors. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce with a rich garlic flavor that coats every bite
Easy one-pot preparation means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal
Hearty tortellini combined with earthy mushrooms for a satisfying dish

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the cheese tortellini, which not only provides a creamy texture but also adds a delightful cheese flavor that complements the richness of the sauce. I recommend choosing fresh or refrigerated tortellini for the best taste, as it cooks quickly and has a softer bite compared to dried varieties. If you can only find dried tortellini, be sure to increase your cooking time accordingly, usually around 10-12 minutes, while also adjusting the amount of broth to ensure there's enough liquid for cooking.

Mushrooms bring an earthy quality that elevates the entire dish. For optimal flavor, I suggest using a mix of button and cremini mushrooms, as the combination adds depth. When sautéing mushrooms, resist the urge to overcrowd the pan; this ensures they brown nicely instead of steaming. If you find your mushrooms are releasing too much water, increasing the heat slightly can help evaporate excess moisture more quickly, enhancing the flavors in your creamy sauce.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Results

As you heat the olive oil, ensure it is just hot enough to shimmer without smoking, which indicates it’s ready for the mushrooms. Sauté until they are golden and caramelized. This Maillard reaction not only adds a stunning visual aspect but also a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the cream later on. Stirring occasionally will help achieve an even cook without burning any pieces.

When it comes to incorporating the heavy cream, be careful not to bring it to a hard boil after adding it to the pot. A gentle simmer is the ideal temperature to allow the cream to meld with the broth without curdling or separating. You'll want the sauce to thicken to a luscious consistency that clings to the tortellini, which typically takes about 5 minutes of simmering after the ingredients are combined.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable dish:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
12 oz cheese tortellini
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Gather these before you begin for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy garlic tortellini:

Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add Broth and Cream

Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Cook the Tortellini

Add the cheese tortellini and dried thyme to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season and Serve

Once the tortellini is cooked through, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Enjoy your one-pot wonder!

Pro Tips

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Additionally, adding spinach or peas in the last few minutes of cooking can enhance the dish with more vegetables.

Substitutions and Variations

If you're looking for a lighter version of this dish, consider using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind that this will yield a less rich sauce, but you can enhance the flavor by adding an extra splash of vegetable broth. For protein lovers, feel free to toss in cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp for added nutrition and heartiness without compromising the overall integrity of the dish.

For a vegetarian twist, swap out the cheese tortellini for spinach or mushroom tortellini to enhance the flavor profile with additional layers of earthiness. Alternatively, you can introduce seasonal vegetables like asparagus or peas; just make sure to stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they remain vibrant and tender.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Tortellini can be made ahead of time for quick meals later in the week. To do this, cook the dish up to the point of adding the tortellini, then cool it completely before refrigerating. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply reheat the mixture in a pot, adding a splash more vegetable broth or cream to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken when stored.

If you want to freeze the dish, I suggest omitting the heavy cream until you’re ready to reheat it. Freeze the cooked tortellini and mushroom mixture in airtight containers. When reheating, add the cream and simmer until heated through. This method keeps the sauce at its best consistency, ensuring every bite remains creamy and delicious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for frozen tortellini.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free tortellini, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or bell peppers can be great additions to this recipe.