This cheese tortellini skillet is ready in just 15 minutes with fire-roasted tomatoes and fresh basil. This speedy vegetarian meal or side dish is ideal for hectic weeknight dinners!

Some meatless dishes on this site truly shine, and this one is certainly among them. Honestly, I could enjoy this quick meal every single day of the week. Give this cheese tortellini skillet a try! In only 15 minutes, you have a pasta skillet brimming with incredible flavor: the basil-infused marinara sauce pairs beautifully with the soft tangy goat cheese.

I crafted this recipe by converting a reader-favorite baked goat cheese dip into a main dish by incorporating pasta. It’s one of my top tortellini recipes because it’s so quick and effortless while delivering a punch of flavor! (If you’re cooking for a larger group, consider my baked tortellini, which follows a similar concept.)

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why I believe you’ll enjoy this recipe as well:

– It’s scrumptious. The soft goat cheese crumbled into the marinara contributes a tangy richness that gives it the taste of an upscale meal. Add those perfectly boiled cheese tortellini, and each bite is a smooth, delightful treat.

– It’s quick. The entire dish can be prepared in around 15 minutes.

– It serves as either a main dish or a side. I relish it as a pasta main dish alongside a salad, but it also makes a fantastic accompaniment for chicken or fish.

Selecting the Best Cheese Tortellini

There are many high-quality tortellini available today. Tortellini are the classic ring-shaped Italian stuffed pasta, and of course, in Italy, they can be purchased freshly made from local stores. However, if you’re not in Italy (like me!), here’s what to look for:

– Fresh tortelloni is available in the refrigerated section. Tortelloni is larger tortellini with a solid filling (as shown). This is what I typically use for all my tortellini dishes, and it cooks in just 2 to 3 minutes.

– Frozen tortellini can also be a good option. This variety keeps well and can be retrieved at a moment’s notice.

– Avoid dried tortellini. Traditional tortellini is not a dried pasta, and from my experience, all the brands I have tried that are dried simply fall short.

– Seek out any kind of cheese tortellini or tortelloni for this recipe. Whether it’s three cheese, spinach ricotta, or Parmesan: any cheese flavor will be suitable.

Fire-Roasted Tomatoes Make the Difference

This delicious cheese tortellini dish is designed by me to achieve two goals: rapid preparation and outstanding taste! It’s like a blend of my renowned baked goat cheese and this goat cheese pasta. It takes advantage of the best flavor combination: a superb tomato sauce made creamy with soft goat cheese.

The secret here is the use of canned fire-roasted tomatoes. This particular type of tomato is becoming increasingly accessible. It’s charred over an open flame, allowing for a wonderfully sweet flavor straight from the can. If you can’t find them, opt for the best quality tomatoes available. Additionally, fresh basil is essential: it imparts key peppery notes reminiscent of Margherita pizza.

Pro Tips for Flawless Tortellini

– Avoid overcooking the pasta. Fresh tortellini cooks exceptionally quickly: typically just 2-3 minutes. Frozen varieties may require 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the brand and size. Set a timer and sample a piece a minute early.

– Allow the sauce to simmer. With fire-roasted tomatoes, the 10 minutes enables the flavors to blend and the basil to work its charm. If you’re using other canned tomatoes, let it simmer for up to 30 minutes to eliminate any bitter taste.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover tortellini can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce over time, but it will still taste great.

To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a dash of water to loosen the sauce (just a dash, or it may become too watery).

Dietary Notes

This cheese tortellini skillet is vegetarian. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortellini. There are several reputable brands of gluten-free tortellini available nowadays (feel free to share any favorites in the comments).

### Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks with Chipotle Sauce

Roasted sweet potatoes, garnished with creamy chipotle sauce, zesty ground chicken, avocado, cilantro, and pickled onion, create a delectable and eye-catching dish that has swiftly become a staple in our home. This recipe not only presents a wonderful mix of flavors but also permits personalization, making it ideal for entertaining a diverse group of diners.

#### Why My Family Loves This Dish

The Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks have garnered enthusiastic praise from my family, who have insisted they be included in our regular meal lineup. The dish features:

– **Roasted, caramelized sweet potatoes** serving as a sweet and savory foundation.
– **Creamy chipotle sauce** contributing a smoky and spicy essence.
– **Zesty ground chicken** seasoned with taco spices for a satisfying protein boost.
– **Fresh avocado and cilantro** providing added creaminess and brightness.
– **Pickled onions** delivering a tangy crunch that elevates the overall flavor.
– **Optional crunchy toppings** such as crushed pistachios or seeds for added texture.

The engaging aspect of assembling your personal stack at the table is a favorite, allowing each person to tailor their meal to their liking.

#### Ingredients

**For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:**
– Sweet potatoes
– Olive oil
– Salt

**For the Spicy Chicken:**
– Ground chicken
– Onion (or onion powder)
– Taco seasoning
– Salsa

**For the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:**
– Sauce ingredients (specifics can be adjusted based on personal preferences)

**For Toppings:**
– Avocado
– Fresh cilantro
– Pickled onions
– Nuts or seeds for crunch

#### Instructions

1. **Prep the Sweet Potatoes:** Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush or drizzle the sweet potatoes with oil, laying them face-down on a sheet pan, and sprinkle the tops with salt.

2. **Roast the Sweet Potatoes:** Bake for 20 minutes. Check for doneness and continue roasting for an extra 10-15 minutes until they are tender and caramelized.

3. **Cook the Chicken:** In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent. Add ground chicken and taco seasoning, browning the meat and breaking it apart until thoroughly cooked.

4. **Sauce the Chicken:** Stir in salsa and salt, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.

5. **Make the Chipotle Sauce:** Whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

6. **Prepare Toppings:** Slice avocado, chop cilantro, and get the pickled onions and any crunchy toppings ready.

7. **Assemble the Stacks:** Begin with a roasted sweet potato, layer with chipotle sauce, add the spicy chicken, and top with your selected toppings. Drizzle with extra sauce if desired.

#### Serving Suggestions

These Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks are not only flavorful but also visually appealing, making them perfect for family meals or gatherings. They can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger meal spread. Leftovers can be stored separately, facilitating easy meal preparation and personalization for lunches throughout the week.

#### Conclusion

This recipe for Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks with Chipotle Sauce offers a delightful means to savor a nutritious and flavorful meal. With its blend of textures and tastes, it’s easy to see why my family adores this dish. Whether you’re in search of a new dinner idea or a fun meal to share with loved ones, these stacks are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!

**Elevating Your Chickpea Salad: Suggestions and Dill Pickle Variation**

Chickpea salads are an adaptable and healthy choice for meals, providing a substantial foundation that can be tailored with diverse flavors and components. Whether utilizing canned or home-cooked chickpeas, grasping the distinctions of each can enhance your dish.

**Incorporating Cooked Chickpeas:**

When selecting canned chickpeas, it’s essential to recognize that they usually have added salt. To rectify this, mix in a few dashes of kosher salt according to your taste. This guarantees that the flavors are balanced and not excessively salty. Moreover, canned chickpeas often possess a softer consistency compared to those prepared at home. Chickpeas cooked at home may be drier, necessitating the addition of more mayonnaise to achieve the aimed creaminess in your salad.

**Dill Pickle Variation:**

For those eager to introduce a zesty twist to their chickpea salad, the dill pickle variation is an enjoyable choice. To create this version, add the following components:

– ½ cup diced dill pickles: These provide a crispy texture and an explosion of zesty flavor.
– 1 spoonful sweet pickle relish: This element brings a touch of sweetness, counterbalancing the tang of the dill pickles.
– ¼ teaspoon dried dill: This herb amplifies the overall dill taste, offering a fresh and fragrant accent.
– ½ tablespoon chopped dill: Fresh dill heightens the herbal nuances, making the salad more lively.

By adding these elements, you craft a chickpea salad that is not only tasty but also layered with various textures and flavors. Whether savored as a standalone meal or as a stuffing for sandwiches and wraps, this dill pickle variation is bound to be a favorite among many.

Title: Airy and Light Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Low-Calorie Treat

Introduction

For those adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle, locating the ideal chocolate chip cookie recipe can prove challenging. A considerable number of gluten-free cookies tend to be heavy or crumbly, but there’s no need for concern! This article introduces a recipe for light and airy gluten-free chocolate chip cookies that are not only scrumptious but also low in calories. These cookies are ideal for indulging your sweet cravings without neglecting your dietary requirements.

The Benefits of Going Gluten-Free

Gluten-free diets have gained popularity, not only among those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance but also for individuals pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Gluten-free baking frequently entails the use of alternative flours like almond, coconut, or rice flour, which can provide added nutritional advantages over conventional wheat flour. These flours are generally richer in protein and fiber, enhancing the overall satisfaction and nutrition of the treat.

The Key to Airy and Light Cookies

To achieve a light and airy consistency in gluten-free cookies, several important techniques and ingredients are necessary. Here are some suggestions to help your cookies turn out perfectly:

1. **Employ a Flour Mix**: Blending various gluten-free flours can imitate the texture of wheat flour. A combination of almond flour, tapioca starch, and coconut flour is effective in producing a well-balanced, airy texture.

2. **Add Leavening Agents**: Baking soda and baking powder play a crucial role in enabling the cookies to rise and become fluffy. Be sure they are fresh for optimal results.

3. **Beat the Egg Whites**: Separating the egg whites and beating them to soft peaks before gently folding them into the batter can infuse extra airiness into the cookies.

4. **Refrigerate the Dough**: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes prior to baking assists the cookies in maintaining their shape and stopping excessive spreading.

Low-Calorie Ingredients

To ensure these cookies remain low in calories, consider the following ingredient swaps:

– **Sweetener Alternatives**: Use a natural sweetener such as stevia or erythritol instead of conventional sugar to lower the calorie count without losing sweetness.

– **Dark Chocolate Chips**: Choose dark chocolate chips, which contain less sugar and are richer in antioxidants than milk chocolate.

– **Unsweetened Applesauce**: Substitute some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat and calorie content while preserving moisture.

Recipe: Airy and Light Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup tapioca starch
– 2 tbsp coconut flour
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 1/3 cup erythritol or preferred sweetener
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs, separated
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine almond flour, tapioca starch, coconut flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter, applesauce, erythritol, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Mix the egg yolks into the butter mixture thoroughly.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold them into the cookie dough.
7. Mix in the dark chocolate chips.
8. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
9. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion

These light and airy gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are a delightful option for anyone wanting to relish a classic dessert without gluten or extra calories. With the right mix of ingredients and methods, you can create cookies that are both fulfilling and guilt-free. Savour these cookies with a glass of almond milk or a cup of tea for the perfect snack or dessert.

# Marinated Mozzarella Balls: Simple Entertaining

Prepared in advance and devoured in moments, marinated mozzarella balls are a wonderful enhancement to any event. These tasty morsels can be made the evening prior, allowing entertaining to feel seamless. Present them on festive grazing platters or as a garnish for salads and crostini, and remember to save the delectable oil for dipping!

## Flavor Profile
These mozzarella balls are smooth and comforting, infused with herbal notes, lots of garlic, and a gentle zing from vinegar.

## Serving Suggestions
– Present at room temperature on a **festive board**.
– Use as a garnish for **salads** or **crostini**.
– Package in an **8-ounce mason jar** for accessible gifting, tied with twine and marked with a note to “Keep refrigerated and consume within 2 days.”

## Selecting the Best Ingredients
– **Mozzarella Balls**: Choose bocconcini or ciliegine for bite-sized pieces. Larger balls can be halved, or opt for cubed feta or provolone for variety.
– **Roasted Red Peppers**: Use jarred ones for convenience or create your own for a fresher flavor. Consider adding olives or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean flair.
– **Marinade**: Extra virgin olive oil delivers rich taste. Both white and red wine vinegar contribute brightness and balance.
– **Seasonings**: Italian seasoning provides a savory foundation. Garlic powder is handy, but fresh minced garlic can elevate the flavor.
– **Variations**: Incorporate red pepper flakes for heat, lemon zest for freshness, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for added flavor.

## How to Prepare Marinated Mozzarella Balls
1. Mix the marinade ingredients (see complete recipe below).
2. Pour the marinade over the mozzarella and refrigerate to marinate.

**Tip**: For optimal flavor, allow the mozzarella to marinate for at least 24 hours, turning occasionally. Bring to room temperature before serving to liquefy the olive oil.

## Storage & Leftover Ideas
Keep prepared mozzarella balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

**Note**: Do not freeze, as this will change the cheese’s texture and oil emulsion.

## Recipe Overview
– **Servings**: 8
– **Prep Time**: 10 minutes
– **Marinating Time**: 1 day
– **Total Time**: 1 day, 10 minutes

### Ingredients
– Mozzarella balls
– Olive oil
– White wine vinegar
– Roasted red peppers
– Fresh parsley
– Italian seasoning
– Garlic (fresh or powder)
– Red pepper flakes
– Salt

### Instructions
1. Place mozzarella in a 2-cup mason jar.
2. Combine olive oil, vinegar, roasted red peppers, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt in a measuring cup, then pour over mozzarella.
3. Seal the jar and shake well to combine.
4. Refrigerate immediately and marinate for 24 hours, turning the jar occasionally.

### Notes
– Fresh garlic and herbs can be substituted for dried.
– Store the oil for a maximum of 48 hours for safety.
– Sliced fresh mozzarella or cubed pizza mozzarella may also be utilized.

Savor these marinated mozzarella balls as a straightforward yet sophisticated enhancement to your next event!