Name: Garlic and Herb Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 20 ounces cheese tortellini (by weight); 4 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon garlic; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (plus additional for garnish, chopped); 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

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Garlic and Herb Tortellini combines a rich garlic cream sauce with fresh herbs and Parmesan. Serve with Roasted Butternut Squash or Leek Greens Salad.

A white bowl filled with cooked tortellini pasta, garnished with chopped fresh herbs and cracked black pepper, sits on a table with green leaves and herbs in the background.

Table of Contents

Easy Tortellini Recipe

I like this recipe because it uses simple ingredients to make a flavorful and comforting pasta dish that feels a little elevated but still comes together quickly. It’s an easy option for a weeknight dinner, and the creamy garlic-herb sauce coats the tortellini perfectly.

The combination of thyme, oregano, and parsley gives the dish a fresh, savory flavor that pairs well with the richness of the cream and cheese. A handful of chopped herbs goes a long way here—just enough to brighten the sauce without taking over.

A white plate filled with creamy tortellini pasta, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprig of fresh herbs on top. The dish is set on a light surface with a napkin and some herbs nearby.

Ingredients for Garlic and Herb Tortellini

You will need the following:

Cheese Tortellini – Fresh tortellini works best here. The recipe calls for 20 ounces, which is usually two standard packages.
Butter – Adds richness and carries the flavor of the garlic and herbs through the sauce.
Garlic – Fresh garlic gives the sauce a bold, aromatic base.
Fresh Thyme, Oregano, and Parsley – These herbs add a savory, well-rounded flavor. Chop them before adding. A little extra parsley on top makes a nice finishing touch.
Kosher Salt + Ground Black Pepper – To season the sauce without overpowering the herbs.
Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, smooth base for the sauce. Avoid swapping in milk; it won’t thicken the same way.
Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan melts easily into the sauce and adds depth. Use a block of cheese and grate it yourself for the best texture and flavor.

How to Make Garlic and Herb Tortellini

STEP ONE: Cook the Tortellini. Set a large pot of salted water on the stovetop and bring to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain and set aside. Return the pot to the stove.

STEP TWO: Sauté the Aromatics. Set the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

STEP THREE: Make the Cream Sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

STEP FOUR: Add the Tortellini. Return the cooked tortellini to the pot. Stir gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

STEP FIVE: Garnish and Serve. Adjust seasoning to taste. Sprinkle with additional parsley and serve hot.

Make It Vegan 🌱

For a plant-based dish, use dairy-free tortellini, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan-style cheese.

A close-up of creamy tortellini pasta garnished with fresh green herbs, served in a white bowl.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is not recommended since too much time in the microwave could cause the sauce to separate.

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Two bowls of garlic and herb tortellini pasta topped with fresh herbs, displayed above and below a green banner that reads “Garlic & Herb Tortellini” in white capital letters.

Garlic and Herb Tortellini Recipe

Cheese tortellini coated in a buttery garlic cream sauce and chopped freshherbs is easy to make and ready in minutes!

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Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: tortellini, vegetarian, vegetarian dinner

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings:

Calories: 708kcal

Author: Holly Gray

Ingredients

20 ounces cheese tortellini by weight
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon garlic
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano plus additional for garnish, chopped
1 tablespoon parsley chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

Set a large pot of salted water on the stovetop and bring to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain and set aside. Return the pot to the stove.
Set the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the cooked tortellini to the pot. Stir gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Adjust seasoning to taste. Sprinkle with additional parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

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