Hidden Filling Pasta with Tomato Cream

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy pasta where a surprise tomato-herb filling is hidden inside each tortellini for a burst of flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 22 minutes pairs tortellini, heavy cream, chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente (about 5-7 minutes), then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, warm heavy cream over medium heat until simmering. Add tomato paste and garlic, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until fragrant and blended.
  3. Step 3: Stir in basil, Parmesan, and salt. Reduce heat to low, add drained tortellini, and toss gently for 2 minutes until coated in creamy sauce and sauce thickens slightly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Filling Pasta with Tomato Cream take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hidden Filling Pasta with Tomato Cream?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tortellini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Filling Pasta with Tomato Cream?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hidden Filling Pasta with Tomato Cream for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hidden Filling Pasta with Tomato Cream?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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