Tangy & Smooth Creamy Lemon-Dill Tortellini Recipe

Creamy lemon-dill tortellini reimagines ordinary pasta into a vibrant culinary adventure that dances between zesty and smooth flavor profiles.

Mediterranean influences shimmer through this delightful dish, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional comfort food.

Bright citrus notes weave elegantly alongside delicate herb undertones, creating a harmonious blend that feels simultaneously indulgent and refreshing.

Soft pasta pillows absorb the luxurious sauce, promising a mouthwatering experience that appeals to both sophisticated palates and casual dinner enthusiasts.

Delicate dill whispers subtle complexity into each creamy bite, elevating this recipe beyond simple weeknight fare.

Home cooks seeking an impressive yet approachable meal will adore how effortlessly these ingredients combine into something truly spectacular.

Your dinner table deserves this elegant, crowd-pleasing masterpiece that balances richness with bright, tantalizing undertones.

A Look at Creamy Lemon-Dill Tortellini

• Creamy Comfort Meets Tangy Twist: This recipe blends rich, velvety cream sauce with bright lemon and herbs, creating a perfectly balanced dish that satisfies comfort food cravings while offering a refreshing flavor profile.
• Lightning-Fast Weeknight Winner: With just one skillet and around 15 minutes of cooking time, this tortellini recipe delivers gourmet taste without complex preparation, making it ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals in a hurry.
• Foolproof Flavor Fusion: The simple method of combining ingredients directly in the skillet ensures even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results, with layers of Parmesan, lemon, dill, and cream creating a harmonious and impressive sauce.
• Versatile Meal Magic: Easily adaptable for different preferences, this dish works wonderfully as a quick lunch, elegant dinner, or crowd-pleasing side that can be customized with additional proteins or vegetables for extra nutrition and variety.

Ingredients That Bring Zing to Lemon-Dill Tortellini

• Cheese Tortellini: Soft pasta pillows filled with rich cheese, forming the hearty foundation of the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and a classic Italian flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Rich and smooth base that creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.
• Egg Yolk: Provides richness and helps to thicken and emulsify the sauce.

• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that adds a warm, deep flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Dill: Delicate herb with a light, tangy taste that brings brightness to the dish.
• Lemon: Citrus fruit that adds zesty freshness and balances the creamy sauce.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish.

• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Provides additional flavor and helps create a smooth, balanced sauce.

Simple Instructions to Bring It All Together

Step 1: Create Cheesy Binding

Grate Parmesan cheese and mix with egg yolk to form a smooth, creamy paste that will help thicken the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare Flavor Boosters

Mince garlic finely, zest the entire lemon, squeeze out fresh lemon juice, and chop dill into tiny pieces to release maximum flavor.

Step 3: Build Creamy Base

In a large skillet, combine minced garlic, lemon zest, heavy cream, broth, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently over medium heat, allowing the flavors to blend and develop.

Step 4: Cook Tortellini

Add tortellini directly into the simmering sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Cook until pasta is tender and fully heated through (about 6-10 minutes depending on whether tortellini is refrigerated or frozen).

Step 5: Finish With Bright Flavors

Remove skillet from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and the prepared Parmesan-egg mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer tortellini to serving plates. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips for Bright, Balanced Creamy Pasta

• Boost Cheese Flavor: Grate Parmesan fresh for maximum flavor and texture, avoiding pre-packaged cheese which can taste less vibrant.
• Perfect Tortellini Timing: Watch pasta closely while cooking to prevent overcooking; test for al dente texture by tasting a piece during simmering.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Temper the Parmesan-egg mixture by slowly stirring in a small amount of hot cream before adding to the skillet to prevent curdling.
• Maximize Herb Freshness: Chop dill just before adding to preserve its bright flavor and delicate aroma, releasing maximum essential oils.
• Enhance Lemon Brightness: Use a microplane or fine grater for lemon zest to capture most aromatic oils, adding depth to the creamy sauce without bitter pith.

Ways to Store and Warm Tortellini Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled tortellini to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.
• Avoid Microwave: Microwaving can cause the sauce to separate and become grainy. If using a microwave, heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Pairing Picks for This Lemon-Dill Dish

• Sip Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy tortellini with a zesty Pinot Grigio or bright Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemon and dill flavors.
• Refresh with Citrus Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to echo the dish's citrusy notes and provide a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Crunch with Garlic Crostini: Serve toasted bread slices rubbed with garlic to add texture and enhance the garlic undertones in the tortellini sauce.
• Balance with Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted zucchini or asparagus with fresh herbs to create a balanced, flavorful meal that matches the dish's delicate herbal profile.

Tortellini Upgrades for New Flavor Combos

• Herbed Zesty Tortellini: Replace dill with a mix of fresh basil and parsley for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version that brings vibrant green herbs to the creamy sauce.
• Spinach Garlic Tortellini: Add chopped fresh spinach leaves during the final cooking stage for extra nutrition and a beautiful green color that complements the creamy sauce.
• Seafood Lemon Tortellini: Incorporate small cooked shrimp or crab meat just before adding the Parmesan mixture to create a luxurious seafood pasta experience with bright citrus notes.
• Roasted Vegetable Tortellini: Toss in roasted bell peppers and zucchini cubes for a hearty vegetable version that adds texture and depth to the classic creamy tortellini recipe.

Creamy Lemon-Dill Tortellini Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon-dill tortellini brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table. Cheese-filled pasta meets tangy herbs in this quick, elegant dish that promises comfort and excitement with each delightful forkful you twirl.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 ounces (567 grams) cheese tortellini
• 1 ¼ cups (296 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 ¼ cups (296 milliliters) low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

Fresh Ingredients:

• 1 medium lemon
• ½ medium bunch fresh dill
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 large egg yolk

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1 ounce (28 grams) Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a flavor base by combining aromatic garlic, vibrant lemon zest, rich cream, and savory broth in a spacious skillet, creating a fragrant foundation for the dish.
2. Allow the liquid mixture to gently simmer over medium heat, releasing the garlic and lemon’s essential oils and developing a nuanced flavor profile.
3. Carefully introduce the tortellini into the simmering liquid, ensuring each pasta pocket is submerged and has ample opportunity to absorb the surrounding flavors.
4. Stir the tortellini consistently during cooking to prevent sticking and promote even tenderness, monitoring the pasta’s texture until it reaches optimal softness.
5. Once the tortellini achieves a perfectly al dente consistency, remove the skillet from heat to halt the cooking process.
6. Enhance the dish’s brightness by incorporating fresh lemon juice and delicately chopped dill, which will provide a zesty and herbaceous dimension.
7. Create a luxurious, creamy emulsion by stirring in the prepared Parmesan-egg mixture, which will thicken the sauce and add a sophisticated, rich undertone.
8. Conduct a final seasoning adjustment, tasting and incorporating additional salt and pepper to balance the dish’s complex flavor profile.
9. Present the tortellini with a generous sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan, offering a final textural and flavor accent.

Notes

• Whip up this creamy pasta dish in less than 20 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Fresh dill transforms an ordinary tortellini recipe into a zesty, bright meal bursting with lemony goodness.
• Substitute frozen tortellini if refrigerated isn’t available, just extend cooking time by a few minutes for perfect tenderness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 569
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 426 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 147 mg