Stuffed

Asparagus And Parmesan Tortellini

Name: Asparagus And Parmesan Tortellini
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed; 1 cup (115g) grated parmesan cheese; 1 package (20 ounces) cheese-filled tortellini; 4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine; 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth

By Felix Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Stuffed

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made Asparagus And Parmesan Tortellini for my family. The combination of tender asparagus, rich parmesan, and perfectly cooked tortellini was a hit, and it's been a staple in our household ever since. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to become a favorite in your home as well.

As a home cook, I love that this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The key to success lies in using high-quality ingredients and following a few simple techniques. In this recipe, we'll cover everything you need to know to make delicious Asparagus And Parmesan Tortellini from scratch.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of fresh asparagus. I like to use thick, tender spears that are perfect for sautéing. You can also use frozen asparagus if fresh is not available, but be sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

In addition to the asparagus, we'll be using parmesan cheese, which adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. I like to use a high-quality parmesan that's been aged for at least 24 months. This will give you the best flavor and texture in your finished dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The combination of asparagus and parmesan cheese is a classic and delicious one.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
You can customize the recipe to suit your tastes by adding other ingredients, such as cooked chicken or cherry tomatoes.
The recipe is relatively healthy, with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
You can make the tortellini from scratch or use store-bought, whichever you prefer.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Asparagus And Parmesan Tortellini is to cook the tortellini al dente, then finish it in the sauce with a ladle of starchy pasta water. This helps to create a creamy, clingy sauce that coats the tortellini perfectly. We'll also be using a combination of butter and parmesan cheese to add richness and depth to the dish.

Another important factor is the use of heat control. We'll be cooking the asparagus and tortellini over medium-high heat, which helps to create a nice caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender. This is especially important when working with delicate ingredients like asparagus, which can quickly become overcooked and mushy.

Finally, we'll be seasoning the dish in layers, starting with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on the asparagus and tortellini, then adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end. This helps to create a balanced, nuanced flavor that's both savory and bright.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including fresh asparagus, parmesan cheese, and tortellini. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as butter, salt, and pepper. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the finished dish.

When shopping for asparagus, look for thick, tender spears that are a deep green color. You can also use frozen asparagus if fresh is not available, but be sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

1 pound (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmedLook for thick, tender spears that are a deep green color. You can also use frozen asparagus if fresh is not available, but be sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
1 cup (115g) grated parmesan cheeseI like to use a high-quality parmesan that's been aged for at least 24 months. This will give you the best flavor and texture in your finished dish.
1 package (20 ounces) cheese-filled tortelliniYou can make the tortellini from scratch or use store-bought, whichever you prefer. If using store-bought, look for a high-quality brand that's made with fresh ingredients.
4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butterI like to use high-quality, European-style butter that's rich and creamy. This will help to add depth and richness to the dish.
2 cloves garlic, mincedYou can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, but be sure not to overdo it, as it can quickly become overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon saltI like to use a flaky, sea salt that's harvested by hand. This will help to add a nuanced, savory flavor to the dish.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperYou can adjust the amount of pepper to your taste, but be sure not to overdo it, as it can quickly become overpowering.
2 tablespoons lemon juiceI like to use fresh, squeezed lemon juice that's rich and tangy. This will help to add a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsleyYou can adjust the amount of parsley to your taste, but be sure to use fresh, high-quality herbs for the best flavor and texture.
1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wineI like to use a crisp, dry white wine that's rich and full-bodied. This will help to add depth and complexity to the dish.
1 cup (240ml) chicken brothYou can use low-sodium chicken broth or make your own by simmering chicken bones in water.

Ingredients for Asparagus And Parmesan Tortellini

Equipment You’ll Need

Large, heavy skillet or sauté panSharp chef's knifeCutting boardColander or strainerInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or silicone spatulaGrater or food processor for grating parmesan cheese

How to Make Asparagus And Parmesan Tortellini

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the tortellini.
2
In a large, heavy skillet or sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
4
Add the white wine to the skillet and cook, stirring to deglaze the pan, until the liquid has almost completely evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
5
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced by half and the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Stir in the parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water.
8
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, until the tortellini are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
9
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until it is melted and the sauce is creamy.
10
Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11
Serve the Asparagus And Parmesan Tortellini hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Expert Tips

Be sure to use high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the finished dish.
Don't overcook the asparagus, as it can quickly become mushy and lose its texture.
If using frozen asparagus, be sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
You can customize the recipe by adding other ingredients, such as cooked chicken or cherry tomatoes.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese or sauces to find the combination that you like best.
To make the dish more substantial, you can add some cooked sausage or bacon to the skillet with the asparagus.
You can also add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet with the asparagus for added flavor and nutrition.
To make the dish more indulgent, you can add some heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the asparagus, which can make it mushy and lose its texture.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland or uninspired dish.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can make the sauce too thick and sticky.
Not seasoning the dish enough, which can result in a bland or unbalanced flavor.
Not using enough butter or cheese, which can make the dish seem dry or lacking in richness.
Not cooking the tortellini until they are al dente, which can make them seem mushy or overcooked.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding cooked chicken or sausage to the skillet with the asparagus for added protein and flavor.
Using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, for a unique flavor and texture.
Adding some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet with the asparagus for added flavor and nutrition.
Using a different type of pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine, for a change of pace.
Adding some heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Using fresh, high-quality herbs, such as parsley or basil, for added flavor and nutrition.
Adding some grated nutmeg or black pepper to the sauce for added depth and complexity.

What to Serve With Asparagus And Parmesan Tortellini

This dish is perfect for serving as a main course or as a side dish. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled chicken or steakSauteed spinach or kaleRoasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, simply cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, then toss with the sauce and serve.

You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. To freeze, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, then toss with the sauce and transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

To reheat the dish without drying it out, be sure to add a little bit of liquid, such as chicken broth or cream, to the sauce. You can also add some grated cheese or chopped herbs to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of asparagus should I use for this recipe?

You can use either fresh or frozen asparagus for this recipe. If using frozen, be sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses for this recipe, such as mozzarella, ricotta, or parmesan. Simply grate or shred the cheese and add it to the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, be sure to reserve enough pasta water and add it to the sauce as needed. You can also add a little bit of cream or half-and-half to the sauce to thin it out.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, then toss with the sauce and refrigerate until ready to serve.

How do I reheat the dish without drying it out?

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Simply cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, then toss with the sauce and transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

Some variations you can try with this recipe include adding cooked chicken or sausage to the skillet with the asparagus, using different types of cheese, or adding some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet with the asparagus.

How do I know when the asparagus is cooked?

The asparagus is cooked when it is tender and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the asparagus - it should slide in easily.

The Full Recipe

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