Tortellini with Marinara Sauce

Tortellini with marinara sauce is an excellent meal option for a busy weeknight or a quick dinner solution. With simple ingredients that can be found at any grocery store, this particular recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit any taste preference. As written this is a great low calorie option that you can also use for meal prep. I add in chicken to get the protein up and make this meal bulkier which will keep you fuller longer!

One key ingredient in this dish is the tortellini pasta itself. Whether it’s frozen or fresh, tortellini is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. In this case, it serves as the main component of the dish and pairs perfectly with the homemade marinara sauce. My personal preference is to use fresh tortellini. You can find it in the refrigerated section of the grocery store – Look for Rana 5 Cheese Tortellini. I’ve found it to be lower calorie and they make a family sized bag!

Tortellini with marinara sauce is also a great option for meal prep. This dish can be portioned out into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Overall, tortellini with marinara sauce is a delicious and easy meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With fresh spinach, it’s a nutritious and filling meal that can be made fast and tastes great.

NEED A SIMPLE SIDE DISH FOR DINNER?

Give my mashed potatoes a try! They are low calorie, super creamy and a delicious side for any dinner! The Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Low Calorie / Light

WHY MAKE TORTELLINI WITH MARINARA SAUCE?

• It’s an extremely easy delicious meal to make
• It doesn’t taste like “diet food” and makes a perfect meal prep
• The pasta sauce “hides” the chicken and spinach
• Packs great ingredients like fresh basil, spinach and chicken
• Makes 5 servings that the whole family can enjoy

INGREDIENTS

Exact measurements and detailed instructions are provided in the recipe card below.

5 Cheese Tortellini – Use fresh if you can, Dried tortellini and frozen tortellini don’t taste as great but in a pinch they’ll definitely work. I used the Rana brand family size!

Chicken tenderloin, raw – If you want to use precooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) you’ll use 18oz instead of 24oz. Alternatively you can use ground turkey in this.

Can of crushed tomatoes – Other great options are canned meat sauce, or really any tomato sauces. If using a seasoned can sauce don’t include the garlic, oregano or salt in the ingredients list.

Garlic powder – If you don’t have garlic or oregano you can substitute both for Italian seasoning.

Oregano

Salt

Low Fat Cottage cheese – Make sure to blend it first, alternatively you can use 0% greek yogurt but you’ll need to add in at least 1 serving of shredded mozzarella or a little goat cheese.

Baby spinach – When you put these in the skillet the first thought you’ll have is “damn that’s a lot of spinach!” it’s going to cook down really quick and it doesn’t overpower the dish I promise!

Basil leaves (I like to use fresh herbs but if dried is all you have on hand that’ll work!)

HOW TO MAKE TORTELLINI WITH MARINARA SAUCE

If you are using raw chicken, dice then cook in a large skillet for 4-5 minutes each side. Skip this step if you are using precooked chicken.

In a large pot bring water to a boil, lightly salt. Add in tortellini and let cook for 4 minutes, don’t stir. Drain tortellini.

In a large skillet add in spinach, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder and salt. Stir occasionally until simmering.

Add tortellini, chicken and cottage cheese. Stir together until everything is combined. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes. Top with basil leaves.

Serve as the main dish or separate into 5 meal prep containers.

CAN I MEAL PREP IT?

Yes! This will make 5 super filling meals! Just pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes and give it a stir. Make sure to microwave it covered otherwise you’ll end up with sauce everywhere!

Alternatively this can be frozen for up to 1 month. If freezing I would add in a little extra sauce after thawing and before reheating.

WHAT ARE THE CALORIES / MACROS?

This recipe makes 5 servings at 449 calories each.

The macros per serving: 44g protein, 8.6g fat, 51g carbs

Alternatively you could split this into only 4 giant servings to serve for dinner. As 4 giant servings the calories / macros would be: 561 calories, 55g protein, 11 fat, 64g carbs.