Skillet Cacio e Pepe Tortellini With Wilted Greens

Skillet Cacio e Pepe Tortellini With Wilted Greens


If you’re looking for a quick and comforting meal that bursts with flavor, Skillet Cacio e Pepe Tortellini With Wilted Greens is the perfect choice. This dish combines cheesy tortellini, peppery spices, and fresh greens, all cooked in one pan for easy clean-up. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a creamy, savory dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. It is simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and the addition of greens provides a healthy boost. Plus, cooking it all in one skillet means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal!

How to Make Skillet Cacio e Pepe Tortellini With Wilted Greens

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 8 to 9 ounce packages fresh cheese tortellini or 1 16 to 20 ounce bag frozen cheese tortellini
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 3 ounces baby kale or spinach
  • 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Directions

  1. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the tortellini in an even layer. Cook and toss occasionally until nicely browned in spots, about 2 to 4 minutes.
  2. Add the water, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cover with a lid or baking sheet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the water has evaporated, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the greens, adding them a handful at a time until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the grated cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Serve garnished with extra grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

How to Serve Skillet Cacio e Pepe Tortellini With Wilted Greens

Serve this dish hot, straight from the skillet. Garnish with additional Pecorino Romano cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick. It pairs well with a simple salad or some crusty bread.

How to Store Skillet Cacio e Pepe Tortellini With Wilted Greens

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it from drying out.

Tips to Make Skillet Cacio e Pepe Tortellini With Wilted Greens

  • For added flavor, consider using different types of greens, like arugula or Swiss chard.
  • If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the black pepper.
  • Make sure to scrape up those brown bits in the pan; they add lots of flavor to the dish!

Variation

You can easily switch up the cheese! Try using Parmesan instead of Pecorino Romano for a different taste. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works great in this recipe. Just add it directly to the skillet without thawing.

2. What can I use instead of pecorino cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a good substitute for Pecorino Romano if you can’t find it.

3. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just make sure to use vegetarian cheese if needed.


Now, gather your ingredients and enjoy making this easy, delightful meal that everyone will love!

Skillet Cacio e Pepe Tortellini With Wilted Greens

A quick and comforting meal featuring cheesy tortellini, peppery spices, and fresh greens, all cooked in one pan for easy clean-up.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 packages fresh cheese tortellini (8 to 9 ounces each) or 1 bag frozen cheese tortellini (16 to 20 ounces) Fresh tortellini preferred, but frozen works.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 3 ounces baby kale or spinach Any fresh greens can be used.
  • 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese Can substitute with Parmesan.

Instructions
 

Cooking

  • Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the tortellini in an even layer and cook, tossing occasionally, until browned in spots, about 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the water, kosher salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Cover with a lid or baking sheet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the water has evaporated, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the greens a handful at a time until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the grated cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  • Serve garnished with extra grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out. For added flavor, try different greens like arugula or Swiss chard. For spice, add red pepper flakes with the black pepper.
Keyword Cacio e Pepe, Comfort Food, One Pan Recipe, Tortellini, Vegetarian

Similar Posts