Creamy Tortellini with Confetti Vegetables

I love tortellini -- something about them is just really fun! You can use fresh (from the refrigerated section) or frozen...either way, just cook according to the directions on the package before adding to the sauce.  The sauce here couldn't be easier -- it's basically just cream cheese melted into a pan of sauteed veggies.  Here, I used bell pepper, carrot, and frozen peas, but you could easily change this up based on what you have in the fridge -- cauliflower, broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, and green beans would all be delicious.  Just make sure to keep the onions and garlic in for their flavor (or sub in something similar like shallots or green onions.  Leftovers kept well for lunches later in the week.

Creamy Tortellini with Confetti Vegetables (adapted from Budget Bytes, original recipe here)

Serves 4

1 cup frozen peas

20 ounce package refrigerated tortellini

1 T butter (more as needed)

1 small onion, minced

1 large garlic clove, minced

2 carrots, peeled if necessary and thinly sliced into rounds

1 yellow bell pepper, cut into small dice

1 cup chicken broth

4 ounce Neufchatel cheese

1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese

Salt and pepper

1. Place the peas in a pasta strainer and run warm water over them for a minute or so.  

2. Put on a large pot of water to boil.  When it boils, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions.  When they're done, pour over the peas in the strainer.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce.  Melt the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.  Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until translucent.  Add the carrots and cook for another 3-5 minutes or so.  Add the bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.  The veggies should be just shy of crisp-tender at the point.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.  Cut the Neufchatel cheese into a few pieces, and add to the skillet.  Stir gently until it melts into the sauce.  Simmer for 5 minutes or so, and then stir in the Cotija cheese, tortellini, and peas.  Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for a minute to ensure that everything is hot.