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Here are the ingredients you need for the Instant Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The olive oil adds rich flavor. The onion and garlic give a nice base. Crushed tomatoes add body and sweetness. Vegetable broth enhances the taste and makes it hearty. Oregano and sugar balance the flavors well. You can choose fresh or frozen tortellini based on what you have. Fresh tortellini cooks faster, while frozen is super convenient. The fresh basil brings a burst of color and flavor. Lastly, heavy cream adds creaminess. For a lighter option, coconut cream works too. Don’t forget the Parmesan for serving; it adds a salty kick! - Sautéing the onion and garlic First, set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add 1 small diced onion. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns soft and clear. Then, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until you can smell the garlic. - Adding tomatoes and broth Next, add 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to mix the flavors. - Setting the Instant Pot Close the lid of the Instant Pot tightly. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Select manual high pressure and set the time for 5 minutes. This will build pressure and cook the base. - Cooking the tortellini When the cooking time is up, carefully quick release the pressure. Open the lid and add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini. Use the sauté function again and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. This will heat the tortellini through. - Adding basil and cream Now, fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir until everything is mixed well. Let it simmer for another minute. This helps all the flavors come together. - Adjusting seasoning Lastly, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper as you like. Serve the tortellini hot in bowls. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Choosing between fresh and frozen tortellini can change your dish. Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and has a soft texture. Frozen tortellini lasts longer and is still tasty. If using frozen, add a minute to your cooking time. This will help them cook through without getting mushy. Adjusting cooking times is key for great tortellini. If you like firmer pasta, reduce the time by one minute. For softer tortellini, stick to the full cooking time. Always check your pasta before serving to ensure it’s just right. Adding extra herbs and spices can take your dish to the next level. Try adding thyme or Italian seasoning for more depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes can bring heat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors that you enjoy! For those with dietary needs, consider cream options. Heavy cream gives richness, but coconut cream works too. This option is great for dairy-free diets and adds a unique flavor. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. {{image_2}} You can make Instant Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini even better by adding fun ingredients. - Adding vegetables: Toss in fresh spinach or diced zucchini. Both add color and nutrients. Spinach wilts nicely, while zucchini gives a nice bite. - Protein variations: You can add chicken, sausage, or beans. Cooked chicken adds heartiness. Sausage gives a spicy kick. Beans offer plant-based protein. You can easily adjust this recipe to fit dietary needs. - Making it dairy-free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This change keeps the dish creamy without dairy. You can also skip cheese or use a plant-based option. - Gluten-free tortellini options: Look for gluten-free tortellini at the store. Many brands offer tasty options, so you don’t miss out. To store your Instant Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini, follow these steps: - Cool it down: Let the tortellini cool before storing. - Use airtight containers: Place the tortellini in containers that seal well to keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. Just make sure it stays sealed to avoid any odors. If you want to freeze the tortellini, here are my tips: - Portion it out: Divide the tortellini into smaller amounts for easy meals later. - Use freezer-safe bags: Remove as much air as possible before sealing bags to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat it, thaw the tortellini overnight in the fridge. To reheat, heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Enjoy your tasty meal! Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Just blend them to make them smoother. You can also use diced or whole canned tomatoes. If you do this, the dish may have a chunkier texture. That can add a fun twist to your meal. To reheat, place the tortellini in a pot. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat on low and stir often. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm evenly. Several sides work great with this dish. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread adds a crunchy bite. - A fresh salad brightens the meal. - Steamed vegetables bring color and nutrients. These sides enhance the meal and add variety to your table. In this blog post, we explored making tasty Tomato Basil Tortellini in an Instant Pot. You learned about the ingredients, from olive oil and garlic to fresh basil and heavy cream. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly. Plus, we discussed tips for enhancing flavor and customizing your tortellini. Remember, you can adjust the recipe to fit your dietary needs or personal taste. Enjoy this comforting meal and feel free to share your own variations!

Instant Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini

Savor the flavors of Italy with this quick and delicious Instant Pot Tomato Basil Tortellini recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a comforting meal that combines rich crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and cheesy tortellini. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Click to explore this easy recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add olive oil, and once hot, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

      Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

        Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Set to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.

          Once done, quick release the pressure carefully. Open the lid and stir in the tortellini. Cook using the sauté function for about 2-3 minutes, or until the tortellini is heated through.

            Add the chopped basil and heavy cream to the pot. Stir until well combined and let it simmer for another minute to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

              Serve hot in bowls, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in deep bowls, topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a light drizzle of olive oil for an added touch.