Frozen tortellini is a convenient and versatile pasta that can be transformed into a delicious meal in various ways. Whether you’re in a hurry or prefer to take your time, there’s a cooking method to suit every schedule. In this article, I will instruct you on how to cook frozen tortellini in 5 different ways to enjoy this delightful pasta.
1. How To Cook Frozen Tortellini in Microwave
Cooking frozen tortellini in the microwave is the quickest option, making it ideal for those moments when you need a fast and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 package of frozen tortellini
- Water or broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Place the frozen tortellini in a microwave-safe dish.
Pour enough water or broth over the tortellini to cover them completely. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Cover the dish loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape.
Microwave the tortellini on high power for 4-6 minutes.
Carefully remove the dish from the microwave and check the doneness of the tortellini. They should be tender and cooked through.
Drain any excess liquid from the dish. Then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tortellini and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Allow the microwaved tortellini to cool for a moment before serving.
Serve the delicious and quick tortellini with a simple tomato sauce or a drizzle of olive oil for a delightful meal.
2. How To Cook Frozen Tortellini in Oven
Baking frozen tortellini in the oven creates a flavorful and comforting dish with a crispy, cheesy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 package of frozen tortellini
- 1 jar of pasta sauce or homemade marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the frozen tortellini in a baking dish.
Pour the pasta sauce or marinara sauce over the tortellini, ensuring they are well-coated.
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, sealing the edges tightly.
Bake the tortellini in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Once the tortellini are heated through and tender, remove them from the oven and allow the baked tortellini to cool for a moment before serving.
Serve the oven-baked tortellini with a side of garlic bread and a garden salad for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
3. How To Cook Frozen Tortellini in Crock Pot
Using a crock pot to cook frozen tortellini allows the flavors to meld together slowly, resulting in a rich and comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 1 package of frozen tortellini
- 1 jar of pasta sauce or homemade marinara sauce
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Place the frozen tortellini in the crock pot.
Pour the pasta sauce or marinara sauce over the tortellini, making sure they are well-covered.
Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the crock pot. The broth will add moisture and depth to the dish as it cooks.
Mix the ingredients gently to combine.
Cover the crock pot and cook the tortellini on low heat for 3-4 hours or on high heat for 1-2 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your crock pot’s settings and the size of the tortellini.
Once the tortellini are heated through and tender, you can sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for added creaminess. Cover the crock pot again and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Allow the slow-cooked tortellini to cool for a moment before serving
Serve the crock pot tortellini with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
4. How To Cook Frozen Tortellini in Instant Pot
Using an Instant Pot to cook frozen tortellini is a quick and efficient way to enjoy this pasta dish without much effort.
Ingredients
- 1 package of frozen tortellini
- 1 jar of pasta sauce or homemade marinara sauce
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Place the frozen tortellini in the Instant Pot.
Pour the pasta sauce or marinara sauce over the tortellini, ensuring they are well-covered.
Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the Instant Pot. The broth will add moisture and prevent the tortellini from sticking together.
Mix the ingredients gently to combine.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to sealing.
Cook the tortellini on manual high pressure for 3-4 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the tortellini and the Instant Pot model.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
Next, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the tortellini and close the lid. The residual heat will melt the cheese.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Allow the Instant Pot tortellini to cool for a moment before serving.
Serve the flavorful and tender Instant Pot tortellini with a side of garlic bread and a mixed green salad for a delightful meal.
5. How To Cook Frozen Tortellini in Air Fryer
Using an air fryer to cook frozen tortellini results in a crispy and irresistible texture.
Ingredients
- 1 package of frozen tortellini
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Place the frozen tortellini in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Lightly spray the tortellini with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil to achieve a crispy texture.
Cook the tortellini in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
Once the tortellini are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the air-fried tortellini while they are still warm.
Allow the air-fried tortellini to cool for a moment before serving.
Serve the delicious and crispy air-fried tortellini with a side of marinara sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce for dipping.
Cooking frozen tortellini in 5 different ways offers a range of options to suit various preferences and time constraints. So, pick your favorite method and enjoy a delectable and satisfying meal.