My sister made this incredibly fresh 4 ingredient dinner and it tastes like pure springtime in a bowl

This slow cooker 4-ingredient spring pea tortellini is the kind of supper my sister would quietly put together on a busy weekday, then set on the table like it was no big deal. It tastes like pure springtime in a bowl—plump cheese tortellini, sweet green peas, and a light, brothy Parmesan sauce that feels fresh instead of heavy. It reminds me of those first warm days after a long Midwestern winter, when the snow finally melts and the fields start turning green again. Everything goes into the slow cooker in minutes, and by dinnertime you’ve got something simple, comforting, and bright enough to wake up your taste buds without a lot of fuss or ingredients.

Serve this spring pea tortellini in warm shallow bowls with extra grated Parmesan on the table so everyone can add a snowy sprinkle to their liking. A simple side salad of crisp lettuce, sliced radishes, and a light vinaigrette keeps the meal feeling fresh and seasonal. A slice of crusty bread or warm dinner roll is perfect for soaking up the light Parmesan broth. If you enjoy wine, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a mild white table wine pairs nicely without overpowering the gentle flavors of the peas and cheese tortellini.

Servings: 4

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

Pour the chicken broth into a medium-sized slow cooker (about 4 to 6 quarts). Cover and turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Let the broth heat for about 30 minutes while you gather the rest of your ingredients. This gives the tortellini a warm bath to slip into so they cook gently and evenly.

Once the broth is hot, stir in the frozen peas. There’s no need to thaw them first; they’ll brighten and soften right in the broth. Make sure they are mostly submerged so they cook through and keep that pretty spring-green color.

Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the slow cooker, stirring gently so they’re coated in the hot broth and peas. Spread them out as evenly as you can so they’re not clumped together. Cover the slow cooker again.

Cook on HIGH for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the tortellini are plump and tender but not falling apart. Slow cookers can vary, so start checking after about 20 minutes. Give everything a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to keep the pasta from sticking together and to help the peas cook evenly.

When the tortellini are just tender, turn the slow cooker to WARM or LOW. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently after each handful so it melts into the hot broth instead of clumping. You’re looking for a light, glossy Parmesan broth that coats the tortellini and peas but still has some liquid in the bottom of the pot.

Taste the broth and add a pinch of salt if needed, keeping in mind that Parmesan is naturally salty. If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a splash more warm broth or hot water until it looks like a loose, silky sauce rather than a heavy cream sauce.

Ladle the tortellini and peas into warm bowls, making sure to spoon some of the Parmesan broth over each serving. Finish with another light sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top so it looks like a soft dusting of snow over the bright yellow tortellini and green peas. Serve right away while everything is hot and glossy.

For a touch of extra freshness, stir in a small handful of chopped fresh herbs—such as parsley, chives, or basil—right at the end of cooking, just before serving. If you prefer a creamier version but still want to keep things simple, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of half-and-half or whole milk after the Parmesan melts, then warm gently until the broth turns lightly creamy. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and be sure your Parmesan or hard cheese is vegetarian-friendly. If you like a bit more protein, you can stir in 1 to 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking, just long enough to warm through without drying out. To stretch the meal for a larger family, add an extra cup of broth and a small handful of peas, then let everyone pass more cheese at the table. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for a day; reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of extra broth or water to loosen the sauce so the tortellini stay tender.