16 Ways to Turn Store-Bought Tortellini Into Dinner

Tortellini with Peas and Pancetta
Photo: Buckwheat Queen

According to medieval legend, tortellini was inspired by the goddess Venus' navel. See, Venus and Zeus dined on a bountiful meal and drank a lot of wine. Next, with full bellies, they fell asleep on a bed behind a locked door. "The innkeeper, captivated after watching them feast, creeps to their room and peeks through the keyhole of the bedroom door. However, all he can see through the keyhole is the naval of Venus." And so, this singular vision leaves him excited and inspired — and he rushes to the kitchen to create a ring-shaped pasta that we know today as tortellini. Recap that story with your friends and family as you dine on these fantastic tortellini recipes. From soups and pasta bakes to salads and cheesy snacks, these tortellini recipes will have you diving into dinner with as much abandon as Zeus and Venus.

01 of 16

Tortellini Primavera

Tortellini Primavera
Happyschmoopies

Wow guests at your next family cookout with this bright tortellini salad recipe. This simple dish calls for 20 ounces of cooked, chilled tortellini. Next add veggies galore: red, green, yellow peppers, onions, cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, peas — you can't have too much color! Now for a zesty kick, toss in six ounces of cubed pepperoni. Add a generous splash of Italian salad dress and toss. For a final kick, sprinkle lots of Parmesan cheese onto the pasta. "It is great for a cook-out or potluck!" says Happyschmoopies, and we agree.

02 of 16

Ali's Greek Tortellini Salad

Ali's Greek Tortellini Salad
AMEEN

If you love traditional Greek salad with romaine lettuce, olives, cucumbers, onion, and feta, add cheese tortellini for a more filling meal. This dish is made best with uncooked baby spinach leaves and served chilled — yes, it works as a stand-alone meal, and you'll enjoy it for days. Jamie Hensley agrees this dish "is even better a few days later," adding the salad is "refreshing." The simple dressing combines olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, parsley, oregano, and salt, giving it a piquant punch your palate will enjoy. Opa!

03 of 16

Simple Tortellini Soup

Simple Tortellini Soup
user

Warm, hearty and delicious, nothing says comfort food like tortellini soup — and it's so easy to make. Chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes create a flavorful base for the cheese-filled ring pasta to swim in. Add white kidney beans for a punch of protein. Sliced zucchini adds texture and flavor. Sprinkle grated Parm cheese on top of the steaming soup and serve. Fresh, sliced Italian bread for dipping is a good idea, too.

04 of 16

Tortellini with Basil-Cream Sauce

Tortellini with Basil-Cream Sauce
GhostEXE

GhostEXE says the "great blend of tomato, cream, and basil makes biting into the already wonderful cheese tortellini that much more enjoyable." The basil is not only colorful, giving the dish a pretty garnish, but it also adds a sweet flavor to this hearty meal. Serve the rich dish with a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad.

05 of 16

Easy and Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup

Easy and Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup
*Sherri*

This soup is said to go great with a classic grilled cheese. So, this meal is ideal for lunch or dinner. Onion, butter, garlic, and Alfredo sauce blend into a mouth-watering broth that complements the diced chicken and navel-shaped pasta. It will leave your mouth watering for another heaping bowl, so make a big batch. Go ahead and dip that gooey-grilled cheese into this rich soup. You'll find that the kiddos will be begging for more.

06 of 16

Garlic Shrimp with Three Cheese Tortellini

Garlic Shrimp with Three Cheese Tortellini
Kimberly Hardy

Seafood and pasta mix for a tasty and filling meal. This is a perfect dish for a stay-in date night with your main squeeze. Buitoni notes: "Sautéed Garlic Shrimp combined with three (YES 3!!!) cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes and basil makes a tasty, colorful, elegant dinner." Pour some wine, and cozy up with someone special, because this recipe is made with extra TLC and will taste that way, too.

07 of 16

Tortellini with Peas and Pancetta

Tortellini with Peas and Pancetta
Buckwheat Queen

This dish kicks basic pasta up a notch with the zesty meat pancetta (salumi made of pork belly meat that is salt-cured). In fact, pancetta in Italy is typically cooked to add depth to soups and pasta, like tortellini. Laka kuharica calls this dish a "light meal, full of delicious pancetta flavor and the clean, green taste of peas." Served, hot, or chilled, this recipe is bursting with fresh and zesty flavors that will leave you satisfied.

08 of 16

One-Pot Pizza Tortellini Bake

One-Pot Pizza Tortellini Bake
St Copper

Round up family and friends for a rich take on Friday pizza night. It is so easy to make: Just place frozen tortellini in a skillet coated in cooking spray. Spread tomato sauce and diced tomatoes over the ring-shaped pasta. Finally, cover with lots of mozzarella cheese and spicy pepperoni circles. This "pizza" is delicious and filling and goes perfect with a simple green salad dressed in oil and vinegar. Make it once and you'll never order a pizza pie again.

09 of 16

Tia and David's Deep Fried Tortellini

Tia and David's Deep Fried Tortellini
kookingmama

Yes, mozzarella sticks are an easy go-to appetizer, but if you really wanna wow guests, whip up a batch of deep-fried tortellini. You read that right. The mouth-watering cheese-filled pasta rings are breaded and fried in olive oil until they are a perfect golden brown. Pile the rings on a serving dish and serve with tomato sauce for dipping. They won't last long and your guests will be begging for the recipe. In fact, ANDREA VETERE CANADA says her sister makes this "delicious appetizer" for parties and family get-togethers — we can see, and taste why!

10 of 16

Quick Tortellini Rotisserie Chicken Soup

Quick Tortellini Rotisserie Chicken Soup
KaraLynn Barton

Whether you roast a chicken at home or grab a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket, you're just steps from a fast meal — and tortellini makes it even easier. Low-sodium chicken broth is an ideal base for this dish. Onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach add flavor and color to this warm and hearty soup. Garnish this savory tortellini and rotisserie chicken soup with Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella. Pro tip: Garlic toast is a delicious dipper.

11 of 16

Pasta Salad in a Jar

Pasta Salad in a Jar
Staci

Meal prep lunch for a week with this tasty tortellini pasta recipe. You'll need jars, store-bought tortellini, and lots of crunchy veggies like peppers, cukes, carrots, and celery, plus baby leaf spinach. Instead of adding your go-to salad dressing, opt for pesto sauce. Once all of the ingredients are packed in the jar, shake-shake-shake, and store in the fridge. You will be so happy your lunch is packed and ready to go. Plus, you'll save money since you don't have to order in,

12 of 16

Fresh From the Vine Tortellini

Fresh From the Vine Tortellini
tonia.st

Mmmmmm, homemade tomato sauce over piping hot tortellini. Becca Miller raves it's, "a fresh sauce, perfect for using up that bumper crop of cherry tomatoes!" Get this, the tomato sauce only takes 15 quick minutes to make — in the oven, not in a pot on the stove. Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, and drizzle with two tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper, and roll the cherry tomatoes around a few times to coat with seasoned oil. Once the succulent red tomatoes burst, it's time to drench the cheese tortellini in this sweet, fresh sauce. Add some grated cheese and dig in. Simple and delicious!

13 of 16

Tortellini Skewers

Tortellini Skewers
Holly G

Pasta on a stick? We're in. J Scholfield calls them a "pretty appetizer that is easy to make." We agree. You just need store-bought tortellini, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and other veggies you fancy. Pop them on the stick in a colorful pattern, roll in pesto sauce, and place on a platter. Pass 'em around, and be warned they will go fast. This recipe is ideal for a book club night, block party, or a tasty pre-dinner snack for your family.

14 of 16

Ham and Tortellini Soup

Ham and Tortellini Soup
Kat Jurewicz

Ham and cheese is a classic sandwich, but it's also a unique way to up your soup game. Let the water, ham bone, and chicken broth simmer to perfection on the stove. The smell alone is mouth-watering. Throw in cubed ham, cheese tortellini, and beans — there you have it, soup to savor. Make a big batch and freeze some for next time.

15 of 16

Creamy Mushroom Tortellini Alfredo

Creamy Mushroom Tortellini Alfredo
Creamy Mushroom Tortellini Alfredo. fabeveryday

In this quick and easy comfort meal, refrigerated cheese tortellini combine with mushrooms and a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. It's ready in about 35 minutes.

16 of 16

Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini

Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini
Kathy Ryan-Ostrick

With nearly 1,900 reviews, this tortellini soup maintains a solid five-star review, a testament to how fantastic this popular pasta dish is. "This soup embodies all the wonders of Italian cooking: Italian sausage, garlic, tomatoes and red wines. Serve with hot bread and salad for a delicious meal. Garnish with Parmesan cheese," writes recipe creator Mary P.

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