Description
This Lemon Butter Tortellini Sauce recipe features tender fresh tortellini tossed in a rich, buttery lemon sauce infused with sautéed onions and garlic. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, it’s a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fresh Tortellini
- 20 ounces fresh tortellini
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup fresh basil, julienned
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Begin by cooking the fresh tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini but do not rinse it to preserve the pasta’s texture and prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the tortellini is cooking, heat the butter, diced onion, minced garlic, and olive oil together in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover the pan and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Lemon and Seasonings: Remove the cover and add lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Cook uncovered for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the cooked tortellini. Stir gently to evenly coat the tortellini with the lemon butter sauce, ensuring every piece is well flavored.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the tortellini hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh julienned basil for brightness and added aroma.
Notes
- Do not rinse the tortellini after draining to maintain the sauce’s ability to cling to the pasta.
- Use fresh tortellini for the best texture and flavor, but frozen can work if cooked accordingly.
- Adjust lemon juice to your taste preference for more or less tanginess.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or substitute half of the butter with cream cheese.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with parsley or oregano if desired.
- To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the tortellini and Parmesan cheese are free from animal rennet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
