Tortellini with Red and White Sauce

I'm not an avid Trader Joe's shopper.  But every now and then I go there and pick up some of their divine yogurt, produce and tortellini.  They have the best price for tortellini that I've seen.  It's a fun treat for us that we only have every once in a while.  I found this easy recipe on Simply So Good and adjusted it so there was less cream, no wine and a few more seasonings.  It is quick, easy and delicious.  It's a great throw together meal that tastes like it was way more work than it actually is.  I love meals like that.  

Tortellini with Red and White Sauce

White Sauce
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups half and half
Salt and pepper to taste

Red Sauce
1tbs. olive oil
1 can Italian style diced tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tbs. butter
Salt and pepper to taste

1 package tortellini


In a small saucepan, heat chicken broth until it is simmering.  Let it simmer until it is reduced to about 1/4 cup.  Mix in cream and add salt and pepper to taste.  Keep warm on the stove, stirring once in a while to keep a skin from forming on top.

In another saucepan heat olive oil and then add the canned tomatoes.  Once that whole mixture is warm add the garlic, oregano, basil and butter.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until everything is ready.  I've let mine simmer for up to 45 minutes with no problems.  I actually like mine better the longer it simmers, but the goal with this meal, is generally a fast meal!

Cook the tortellini according to the package.

Add drained tortellini to cream sauce and simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes.

Serve in a bowl with the red sauce spooned on top.  It is also divine with fresh basil, parmesan cheese and sautéed zucchini.

Note: The cream sauce is rather thin.  If you'd like it thicker, whisk a few teaspoons of cornstarch into the half and half and then gradually whisk that mixture into the chicken broth.  

Adapted from Simply So Good