Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1 package of cheese tortellini (dried, frozen or fresh – prepare per package instructions)
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • 2 tbs butter
  • 1 small onion – diced
  • 2 cloves garlic – minced
  • 1 large can of crushed tomato
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • Pepper and Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tsp raw sugar
  • 2 Tbs flour
  • ¾ C milk
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ c Parmesan Cheese – grated (fresh is best. Plus more to taste.)

Instruction

  • Prepare tortellini per package instructions.
  • In a large stainless steel pan, heat onions in olive oil and butter over medium heat until onions are soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the garlic and allow to cook x 1 minutes. Continue to allow the tomato mixture to simmer.
  • Add the tomatoes (juice and all), salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, thyme, oregano, cumin and dried basil and raw sugar and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Add spinach leaves all at once and place lid on the pan so that spinach can wilt. Stir occasionally until leaves are wilted. If tomato mixture becomes to dry – you can add water ¼ cup at a time as needed to wilt the spinach.
  • Once the spinach is wilted, in a small bowl, mix flour, milk and cream together and whisk together with a fork or a whisk. Once well blended, add to the tomato/spinach mixture. Add the Parmesan Cheese.
  • Using a slotted spoon, remove the tortellini from its cooking water and place into the tomato mixture. Gently mix with a wooden spoon being careful not to tear up the tortellini. Heat on stove top until all is heated through. Serve immediately. Garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh basil