How to Make the Perfect Pesto Tortellini
Italian · Easy · 15 min · 2 servings
This pesto tortellini is an effortless 15-minute dinner that pairs pillowy cheese tortellini with vibrant fresh basil pesto. A quick recipe that delivers maximum flavor with the least amount of work possible.
Why this recipe works
This Pesto Tortellini recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 560 calories with 21g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 0.33 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook refrigerated tortellini for 3 to 4 minutes or until they float and are tender. Reserve a quarter cup of pasta water then drain gently.
Step 2: Warm the Pesto
In a large bowl mix pesto with olive oil and a splash of warm pasta water to loosen it into a saucy consistency that will coat every tortellini easily.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Add drained tortellini and halved cherry tomatoes to the pesto bowl and gently fold everything together so the pasta is coated without breaking the delicate tortellini.
Step 4: Serve with Parmesan
Plate immediately and shower with freshly grated parmesan. A few fresh basil leaves on top make this look stunning.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- refrigerated cheese tortellini → frozen tortellini cooked one minute longer or any stuffed pasta
- store-bought pesto → blend fresh basil olive oil parmesan and pine nuts for homemade
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking tortellini until they burst open and the filling spills out into the water
- Heating pesto directly on high heat which destroys its fresh green color and delicate flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 560 calories, 21g protein, 62g carbs, 24g fat, 3g fiber.
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