Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions

This dish combines tender cheese tortellini with deeply caramelized onions, savory mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a silky cream sauce. It’s rich yet balanced, with layered umami from slow-cooked onions and browned mushrooms.

Expect restaurant-quality flavor with straightforward technique.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Caramelization builds natural sweetness and depth
• Mushrooms provide glutamates (umami backbone)
• Spinach adds freshness and color contrast
• Cheese tortellini contributes salt and creaminess

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Key Ingredients

Pasta

• 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini

Vegetables

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 8 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• ¼ cup vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

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About the Mushrooms

Cremini mushroom (also called baby bella) have deeper flavor than white button mushrooms and hold texture well in creamy sauces.

For maximum browning:

• Cook mushrooms in a single layer
• Avoid stirring too often
• Allow moisture to evaporate fully

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.

Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown. Reduce heat if browning too quickly.

Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Tortellini

Boil tortellini in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

3. Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium-high heat.

Add mushrooms in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, then stir and continue cooking until browned.

Add garlic and thyme; cook 30 seconds.

4. Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in broth to deglaze pan, scraping up browned bits.

Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add Parmesan and stir until melted.

5. Add Spinach

Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).

6. Combine Everything

Return caramelized onions to the skillet.

Add drained tortellini and toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.

Adjust salt and pepper.

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Flavor Profile

• Sweet depth from caramelized onions
• Earthy mushroom richness
• Creamy, cheesy undertones
• Bright freshness from spinach
• Subtle herbaceous finish

The contrast between sweet onions and savory mushrooms gives this dish complexity beyond a typical cream pasta.

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Technique Notes

True Caramelization Takes Time

Proper onion caramelization requires low heat and patience. Avoid rushing with high heat.

Control Moisture

If mushrooms release excess liquid, continue cooking until it evaporates before adding cream.

Salt in Layers

Season onions lightly early, then adjust at the end after cheese is incorporated.

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Variations

Add Protein

• Grilled chicken
• Italian sausage
• Shrimp

Lighter Version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Extra Depth

Add a splash of dry white wine before the cream.

Herb Boost

Finish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley.

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What to Serve With It

• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread
• Roasted asparagus
• Steamed green beans

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

Store up to 3 days in airtight container.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or broth.

Cream sauces can thicken significantly in the refrigerator; thinning is normal.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Rushing onion caramelization
2. Overcrowding mushrooms
3. Boiling cream aggressively
4. Overseasoning before cheese melts

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Nutritional Overview

This dish offers:

• Protein from cheese-filled tortellini
• Iron and fiber from spinach
• Antioxidants from mushrooms
• Energy-dense cream-based sauce

To reduce calories:

• Decrease cream by 25%
• Increase broth slightly
• Add more spinach

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Tortellini with Caramelized Onions is layered, comforting, and deeply flavorful. The slow-cooked onions are the defining element — they elevate this from a simple pasta dish to something complex and satisfying.

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