Name: Best Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce for Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb tortellini; 8 large garlic cloves; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1½ cups heavy cream (rich texture); 2 cups Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and black pepper; Fresh parsley (a handful – Chopped for garnish)

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I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every single time, it disappears in minutes! This Best Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce for Tortellini is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so simple to make. The first time I tasted the rich sauce clinging to pillowy tortellini, I was hooked.

I can still smell the buttery garlic wafting through the kitchen as I cooked it. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy date-night dinner, trust me, this recipe will have you coming back for “just one more bite.”

Everything You Need to Make This Dish

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to whip up this creamy, dreamy sauce. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering that perfect flavor.

Unsalted butter: The base of the sauce. For a nutty flavor, you can slightly brown it.
Garlic cloves (8 large): Smashed for maximum flavor without being overpowering.
Olive oil: Keeps the butter from burning and adds depth to the sauce.
Heavy cream (1 ½ cups): Creates that silky, decadent texture.
Parmesan cheese (2 cups freshly grated): Don’t skimp! Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully.
Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): For a balanced herbaceous kick.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness to the sauce.
Salt and black pepper: A pinch of each brings out all the flavors.
Fresh parsley (a handful): Finely chopped for garnish and a touch of freshness.
Tortellini (1 lb): Cooked to al dente perfection.

Note: This recipe serves about 4, so you might want to double it if you’re cooking for a crowd!

Delicious Variations to Try

Cooking is all about experimenting, so here are easy ways to tweak the recipe.

Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream, and swap out Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
Lower-Calorie Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the butter slightly.
Flavor Boosters: Add a spoonful of pesto, a pinch of chili flakes, or roasted garlic to enhance the flavors.
Add-Ins: Toss in crispy pancetta, sautéed mushrooms, or baby spinach for extra heartiness.

Quick and Simple Cooking Time

This recipe is fast, easy, and perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Essential Equipment

Before you begin, gather these essentials to make everything smooth and easy.

Deep skillet: The best pan for melting butter and cooking the sauce evenly.
Large pot: For boiling your tortellini to perfection.
Microplane grater: To freshly grate Parmesan cheese (so worth the effort).
Mixing spoon: Handy for stirring everything without any mess.

How to Make the Creamiest Garlic Butter Sauce for Tortellini?

Making this sauce was one of the easiest things I’ve done, and it’s super satisfying! Follow these simple steps for the ultimate comfort food.

Prepare the Garlic

Start by smashing your garlic cloves with the side of your knife after peeling them. This little trick releases all their wonderful aroma and flavor. Trust me, you’ll love how it transforms the sauce.

Melt the Butter

Heat your deep skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Swirl it gently as it starts to brown slightly. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it from burning, and watch the golden color develop.

Infuse the Butter with Garlic

Add your smashed garlic to the melted butter. Stir it around for about 3–5 minutes until fragrant and soft. This is the heart of the sauce, so take your time to get it just right.

Bring in the Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Slowly add the Parmesan cheese while continuously stirring. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until everything melts into a lusciously smooth sauce.

Cook the Tortellini

While your sauce is coming together, boil the tortellini in a pot of salted water. Cook it until it’s al dente, then drain (but save a little pasta water). Toss the tortellini into your skillet with the sauce. Coat everything evenly and adjust consistency with that reserved pasta water, if needed.

Garnish and Serve

Top your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving. Plate it up hot, so each creamy bite is absolute perfection.

Tips for Making Your Sauce Even Better

I’ve made this recipe so many times, and here are my favorite tips to ensure it’s flawless every time.

Brown Butter Carefully: Keep a close eye when browning butter; a little olive oil can help prevent burning.
Always Use Fresh Cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly. Fresh is the way to go!
Pasta Water Is Gold: If your sauce feels too thick, a splash of starchy pasta water works wonders.
Taste as You Go: Parmesan is salty, so taste before adding too much extra salt.

How to Serve Your Tortellini Like a Pro?

Elevate your meal with presentation! Garnish your dish with chopped parsley for color and vibrance. I love pairing this pasta with crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce. For a light contrast, add a mixed green salad or roasted veggies. If you want to feel extra fancy, pour yourself a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional glimpse per serving of this indulgent dish!

Calories: 536
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fat: 37g

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Need to save some for later or prep ahead? No problem!

Refrigerate: Keep the sauce and tortellini in separate airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freeze: Only freeze the sauce, not the tortellini. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with a splash of cream to restore its texture.

Why This Recipe Will Steal Your Heart?

There are so many reasons to love this recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and always a hit!

Ridiculously Easy: You can pull this dish together in just 20 minutes.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Every bite is creamy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned.
Super Versatile: Works for weeknights, date nights, or even gatherings.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and no fancy ingredients.
Customizable: It’s easy to adjust to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.

This creamy garlic butter sauce for tortellini is my ultimate comfort food, and I know it will be yours too! Try it out, and don’t forget to savor every creamy, garlicky bite.