This really is a great "emergency meal" when you're pressed for time or just don't want to cook supper. The meal can be made with ingredients that are easy to find and keep on hand, and, best of all, it tastes good. The tortellini skillet falls into the "comfort food" category with pasta and a creamy sauce. I use chopped turkey ham to make the skillet, because the turkey ham is low in fat, inexpensive, easy to keep in the refrigerator, and fast to chop. I sometimes substitute regular ham or even leftover cooked chicken. Although I use fresh spinach to make the dinner, you can use frozen, if that's what you have. With meat, pasta, and vegetable included in the skillet meal, all you really need to round out your dinner is a salad and maybe some bread. Enjoy!
Turkey Ham and Tortellini Skillet Dinner -- Serves 4+
16-ounce bag of frozen cheese tortellini
2 cups of hot water
1 tablespoon of dried minced onion
1 cup of chopped turkey ham
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
4 - 5 ounces of fresh spinach (about half a bag)
1 cup of sour cream (I use light sour cream)
A little milk, optional
2 - 4 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese
In a large skillet or chef's pan bring the tortellini, hot water, and minced dried onion to a boil. Stir in the turkey ham, garlic powder, and pepper. Turn down the heat to a simmer and partially cover the skillet. Let the mixture cook for 5-6 minutes or until the tortellini are mostly done and only about 1/2 cup of water remains. Stir in the spinach a handful at a time, letting it wilt into the tortellini. Gently stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded Parmesan. If you'd like a looser/more liquid tortellini mixture, you can drizzle in a little milk (a couple of spoonfuls at a time) and mix it in. Turn the heat off and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top of the tortellini before serving it.
