8-Min Tortellini Alfredo: Easy One Pot Recipe

1. 1

   We top our tortellini Alfredo with marinated smoky olives. They are optional. If you want to make them, start with the olives before the Alfredo. This way they have time to marinate while you cook. The recipe for the olives is below.

One-Pot Tortellini Alfredo

1. 2

   Now for the tortellini Alfredo. Grate Parmesan on a fine grater. Do not use pre-shredded Parmesan. It does not melt well.

2. 3

   Set the heat slightly above medium. If your stove has numbered settings, use level 6 out of 9. Pour the heavy cream into a frying pan.

3. 4

   Bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes. Stir all the time.

   2 min
4. 5

   Add black pepper and nutmeg. Stir to combine well.

5. 6

   Add tortellini straight to the pan and stir. No need to precook—this is a one-pot recipe.

6. 7

   When it comes back to a boil, reduce the heat to low. If your stove has numbered settings, use level 3 out of 9.

7. 8

   Cover with a lid. Check the cooking time on your tortellini package. Now cook them in the cream for 1 minute less than what it says. For example, if your package says 2–3 minutes, cook the tortellini in the cream for just 1–2 minutes. Stir once or twice while they cook.

   1 min
8. 9

   Take off the lid. Add the Parmesan. Cook the tortellini for the final 1 minute—now with the Parmesan in the sauce. Add the cheese in small portions. Stir after each addition until it melts and the sauce turns smooth. Then add more. We add ours in 3–4 rounds to keep the sauce from splitting.

   1 min
9. 10

   Taste the sauce and add salt if needed. Then take it off the heat.

Make Smoky Olives

1. 11

   Slice the olives into rounds. Add them to a jar.

2. 12

   Add smoked paprika, dried garlic, and sugar, then mix well.

3. 13

   Pour in the olive oil and mix well. Make sure the spices coat the olives evenly. Let them rest and marinate while you cook the tortellini.

4. 14

   Top tortellini with smoky olives before serving if you like.