Spinach, Tomato and Cheese TortelliniRemember a while back I said that the family and I were going to try going meatless on Monday once we settled into our new environs?  Yeah, well, I’d totally forgotten about it too until I ran across a recipe for Spinach, Tomato and Cheese Tortellini in this month’s All You magazine.

The recipe was submitted by Lori Merrick (I don’t know who she is but darned if this wasn’t delish and the kids loved it).  Here’s the recipe as she submitted it, I’ll put in bold the changes that I made:

  • salt and pepper
  • 1 20 oz package dried cheese tortellini
  • 1 TBS olive oil (vegetable oil, no olive oil in the house)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (didn’t have any)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms  (family doesn’t like)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups lightly packed baby spinach (used frozen)
  • ¼ cup low~sodium chicken broth
  • grated Parmesan (used shredded mozzarella)
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook tortellini for 10 minutes or as package label directs.  Warm oil in a large skillet over medium~low heat.  Add garlic and red pepper and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.  Raise heat to medium, until tender, about 4 minutes.  Add tomatoes and sauté 2 minutes.  Pile spinach on top and cover.  Reduce heat to low and simmer until spinach has wilted, about 3½ minutes.  Pour in broth, season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.
  2. Drain tortellini, add to skillet and stir gently to blend.  Serve in bowls.  Sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired.

FYI:  I doubled the recipe so that I’d have enough for a side dish with tomorrow’s dinner.  I’ve found that when I make the standard serving size that I have leftovers but not enough for everyone so I end up making another starch and veggie.  This, I think, should be more cost effective.

I asked the kids how they enjoyed going meatless and if this is something they’d be willing to try for the rest of the month and they thought it was a great idea.  They’re very excited about the prospect of trying new foods while not giving up the family faves.  And I’m happy because my family will be eating more vegetables and shifting towards a healthier lifestyle.

Have you ever tried going meatless?  Do you have a favorite meatless dish that I can try with my family?