Brown Butter Tortellini with Kale & Peas

Props to Real Simple for this recipe that is, well....really simple!  Go figure.  Now that I have made it, I was bummed that I tried this one on a Saturday night because it is soooooo simple, yet satisfying!  It easily took less than 30 minutes from the time I decided to cook until the time we sat down to eat, which in my book is the best kind of meal for a weekday after hanging out with third graders all day!  Plus, it was delicious!

Ingredients:

• 16 to 19 oz. Bag of frozen cheese tortellini (not frozen would work too but is more expensive)
• 1 C Frozen peas
• 4 T Butter (I used salted, but go for unsalted if your body dislikes excess sodium)
• 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 Bag of Spinach OR 1 Stalk of Kale, stems removed and torn into bite size pieces
• 1 t Lemon Zest (if you are lazy/don't have a lemon, feel free to omit but add more lemon juice)
• 1 T Lemon Juice
• Salt and Pepper

Directions:

1. Cook tortellini according to the package directions (Takes about 5 mins once the water boils)
2. With 1 minute remaining on the tortellini, add in the cup of frozen peas.  Strain.
3. Meanwhile, warm a large skillet over medium heat and brown the butter.  To brown the butter, melt the butter in the skillet and allow time to heat for 2-3 minutes.  Watch out for splashes and use a splash guard as the butter heats.  Once it slightly browns and has a nutty fragrance it is good to go.  Be careful not to burn the butter!
4. Once butter is melted, add in the leafy greens and tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until your greens are wilted.  About 5 minutes.
5. Once your tomatoes are cooked and greens are wilted remove from heat.  Add the cooked tortellini and peas to the skillet and mix together.  
6. Add in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper and toss to coat.
7. Serve warm!  Piece of cake, right?!

P.S.  My husband said it reminded him of his families Christmas Sugar Cookie recipe but trust me, it does not taste like sugar cookies.  I guess he just associates lemon zest and butter with Christmas cookies?  Regardless, try this one!!

Bon Appetit!