Home dinnerHow to make Frozen Cheese Tortellini in the Microwave

How to make Frozen Cheese Tortellini in the Microwave

by Stephanie

Looking for a fast, convenient dinner option? Let’s make quick and easy frozen cheese tortellini in the microwave. In just minutes, you’ll have flavorful tortellini on your plate in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or a solo lunch fix.

Close up title image of cheese tortellini with red sauce and parmesan cheese on a white plate.

Ingredients for Microwaved Tortellini

  • Frozen tortellini
  • Water
  • Your favorite pasta sauce

How to Make Microwaved Tortellini

Place about 1 cup of frozen tortellini into a microwave‑safe bowl and add roughly ¾ cup of water. Spoon about ½ cup of your desired pasta sauce over the tortellini, then cover the bowl.

Microwave on high for 2 minutes.

Stir the tortellini gently, then cover again and microwave on high for an additional 2 minutes.

Let the bowl stand for 2 minutes (covered).

Ensure the tortellini reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 °F for at least 15 seconds for food safety.

Once safe and heated through, drain any excess water, toss the tortellini with the sauce fully, and serve immediately.

Tips & Suggestions

  • Use a microwave‑safe bowl with a vented cover or slightly ajar lid to avoid splatter.
  • If your microwave is less than 1100 watts, you may need to add 30‑60 seconds per cycle or check for doneness.
  • Feeling fancy? Stir in a handful of fresh spinach, chopped roasted red pepper, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after microwaving.
  • For a heartier version, add cooked vegetables or grilled chicken breast slices before tossing with the sauce.
  • Want less water? You can reduce to ½‑¾ cup water depending on your bowl size and how saucy you like it — just ensure the tortellini still has enough liquid to cook through evenly.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different size portion than 1 cup of tortellini?
A: Yes — you can scale up or down. If you use more than 1 cup, increase cooking time by about 30–60 seconds, and maybe add a splash more water to keep things moist and ensure even heating.

Q: What if my microwave is weaker than 1100 watts?
A: If your microwave is under 1100 watts, consider adding another minute total (e.g., 3 minutes initial, then 3 minutes second cook) and always let it stand afterwards to allow residual heat to finish the job.

Q: Do I really have to reach 165 °F internal temperature?
A: Yes — it’s a food‑safety guideline to ensure any frozen pasta warms through to safe levels. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure everything is visibly hot, steaming, and the sauce is bubbling slightly, and that the tortellini is soft in the center.

Recipes to Pair with Cheese Tortellini

Other Italian Recipes for the Microwave

Microwave Cheese Tortellini
Yield: 1 serving

Microwave Cheese Tortellini

Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup frozen tortellini (cheese-filled or your favorite variety)
  • ¾ cup water
  • ½ cup pasta sauce (any variety – marinara, Alfredo, pesto, etc.)

Instructions

  • Place about 1 cup of frozen tortellini into a microwave‑safe bowl and add roughly ¾ cup of water. Spoon about ½ cup of your desired pasta sauce over the tortellini, then cover the bowl.
  • Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
  • Stir the tortellini gently, then cover again and microwave on high for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Let the bowl stand for 2 minutes (covered).
  • Ensure the tortellini reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 °F for at least 15 seconds for food safety.
  • Once safe and heated through, drain any excess water, toss the tortellini with the sauce fully, and serve immediately.
  • Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    1

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 653Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 1246mgCarbohydrates: 102gFiber: 6gSugar: 7gProtein: 28g

    Any nutritional information on justmicrowaveit.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate.

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