Healthy Living & Eating On A Budget: Cheese Tortellini With Fresh Veggies

Healthy, great tasting meals that won’t blow your budget.

Hays County Food Bank knows that living & eating healthy has been portrayed as unaffordable for families on a budget.

HCFB would like to help you and your family know it doesn’t have to be expensive by giving you recipes that are healthy, great tasting and that won’t blow your budget.

You can find other budget friendly recipes from Hays County Food Bank here.

Cheese Tortellini with Fresh Veggies

*Recipe adapted from Eating Well.

Cost Per Serving: $2.50

Yields 4 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 oz.) can vegetable broth
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 4 cups chopped vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and/or roma tomatoes
• 1 16-oz package of frozen cheese tortellini

Optional lean meat protein to add: grilled shrimp or chicken

Directions:

1. Put a large pot of water on to boil.
2. Whisk broth and flour in a small bowl.
3. Heat 1 Tbsp. of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic, stirring occasionally, and cook until just beginning to brown (about 1 to 2 minutes).
4. Add broth mixture to the pan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Sauce is done when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, tarragon, and salt.
6. Heat 1 Tbsp. of oil in another large pan over medium heat. Add vegetables and sauté for 3 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Season with salt.
7. Add  tortellini to the boiling water. Bring back to a simmer and cook until pasta is al dente (about 3 to 5 minutes).

Drain and add pasta and vegetables to sauce pan. Stir to coat, and serve.