Indulge in the luscious and tangy flavor of this easy-to-make creamy lemon tortellini recipe. Savor the rich and silky texture of the velvety lemon parmesan sauce that coats every inch of the cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. This mouthwatering dish can be whipped up in no time, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

Overhead view of creamy lemon tortellini in a skillet with wood spatula to the side.

I have been turning to cheese tortellini to make several meals lately. It’s quicker to boil than traditional pasta and not as boring thanks to that yummy cheese filling.

If you are looking for more family-friendly pasta dishes, you must try my Homemade Hamburger Helper! It’s a long-time reader favorite, and we love it, too! This Spaghetti Carbonara is great for when you don’t have much in the pantry, and Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty, comforting meal sure to please.

Why This Creamy Lemon Tortellini Works

It’s super simple! It uses simple and easy-to-find ingredients that won’t break the bank. Plus, it comes together in a flash, making it a perfect busy night meal.
Creamy, luscious, and comforting! This tortellini recipe has a slightly tangy lemon parmesan cream sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
It will quickly become a family favorite. Great for all ages, including picky eaters. I have a few that don’t care for spinach, but with this recipe, they gobble it up!

Ingredients

CHEESE TORTELLINI: I strongly suggest buying a good quality cheese tortellini for the best flavor. I like to use Buitoni or Rana.

ONION AND GARLIC
LEMON: In this recipe, you will use the zest and juice for a nice bright flavor. Be sure to choose a large lemon.

HEAVY CREAM
PARMESAN CHEESE
SPINACH

Six photos showing the how to make this tortellini recipe. Sauteing the onion, adding the garlic, adding the cream and pasta water, adding the cheese, adding the spinach, and the finished product.

How To Make This Creamy Lemon Tortellini Recipe

This is just a quick overview of the method for this tortellini. As always, specific measurements and step-by-step instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.

STEP 1: Boil your pasta according to the package directions.

STEP 2: While the pasta is getting ready to boil, saute the onion until soft. Stir in the garlic. Add the lemon zest, juice, heavy cream, and pasta water. Stir in the parmesan cheese and bring to a simmer.

STEP 3: Remove from heat and stir in the spinach and tortellini.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Mix-ins: other things you can add to this pasta recipe are cooked chicken or shrimp, mushrooms (saute with the onion), steamed broccoli, steamed asparagus, or even cherry tomatoes (saute with the onion).

Close up of pasta dish. Garnished with lemon slices.

Serving Suggestions:

I like to keep things simple most of the time when I am making this recipe. I usually serve this with a nice side salad with whatever veggies I have in the fridge that I can throw in the salad.

However, this would be great with garlic bread or these Garlic Cheddar Biscuits. Other vegetables that would pair well are Lemon Parmesan Broccoli or Roasted Green Beans.

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