20 Minute Pesto Tortellini

This recipe for 20 Minute Pesto Tortellini is a quick and simple recipe that is especially perfect on a busy evening or summer afternoon.

Made with your favorite tortellini tossed in a flavorful homemade basil and parmesan cheese pasta sauce, this dish is sure to please!

Why we like this pesto tortellini recipe

This is a quick and simple recipe that can be made in about 20 minutes or less. Pesto tortellini is also a nice alternative to the usual meal idea, making this an interesting and tasty idea. .

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• The ingredients are basic and easily customizable.
• You can prepare the pasta and pesto in advance and toss them together when you are ready to serve.
• This is basically a one bowl meal idea, making for an easy clean up.
• Leftovers taste great the next day after the ingredients have melded together in flavor and texture.

Have you tried my recipe for Pesto Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

That Pesto Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner is a simple 30 minute one pan meal idea made with baby potatoes and sliced squash. Both this recipe for tortellini tossed in pesto and that recipe for sheet pan salmon baked with pest are great tasting Mediterranean diet friendly recipes made with pesto.

Pine nuts are an important ingredient needed to make pesto sauce. You can find pine nuts here.

Ingredients Needed.

• Tortellini The Tortellini of your choice (cheese works well in this recipe). The Tortellini should be prepared according to the packaging directions.
• Pine Nuts Toasted or untoasted can work.
• Garlic. Fresh garlic clove is preferred.
• Basil Basil leaves that are fresh and lightly packed.
• Parmesan Freshly grated is preferred.
• Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil, a good quality oil can add the best flavor.
• Optional Seasonings to taste, additional cheese and basil for serving.

How to make tortellini in pesto sauce.

• Prep Time 15 minutes .
• Servings 4 .
• How to serve : Serve with a great tasting salad.
• Notes: You will need a food processor or good blender and a large bowl to make this recipe.

1. Prepare. Prepare the tortellini according to the packaging. Drain the tortellini and place it into a large bowl.
2. Pesto. To make the pesto, process or blend together the pine nuts and garlic until finely chopped. Then add the basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese and process again until the leaves are well chopped. Set the processor (or blender) to low and slowly drizzle in the olive oil. You can add seasonings, such as salt and pepper, to the pesto as desired at this point.
3. Toss. Pour about half of the prepared pesto over the tortellini and gently toss the ingredients. Then add the remaining pesto as desired and toss again to coat the tortellini.

Tips for making the best Tortellini and pesto.

Your can use the tortellini of your choice in this recipe. I like cheese tortellini in this recipe.

More helpful tips for you.

1. For a creamier sauce, snag a quarter to half cup of the of the (starchy) water that was used to cook your Tortellini. You can then stir this water into the pesto sauce about a tablespoon at a time to create a creamier pesto sauce.
2. Toasting the pine nuts releases the oils to create a much deeper, smokier sauce .
3. You can make the tortellini and pesto in advance and then combine them when you are ready to serve the pasta. I would use a whisk or fork to revive the pesto before adding it to the tortellini first.

FAQ

• Do I have to use pine nuts to make the pesto? Pine nuts could also be substituted with an alternative variety of nuts, such as walnuts or cashews.
• Can I just use a store-bought pesto instead of making my own? Yes, for convenience you can. However, when you make the pesto yourself, you know exactly what is in it and you can make adjustments as needed for flavor.
• Can I use store-bought grated cheese in this recipe. Freshly grating your own Parmesan cheese is recommended for flavor and quality. Store bought versions often have other ingredients added to the cheese to keep it from sticking together. These ingredients can hinder the ability of the cheese being able to melt smoothly.

Variations.

• Use another kind of pasta such a ravioli.
• Try another pesto such as tomato pesto.
• Add a protein or vegetables such as sliced mushrooms to your dish.

How to store tortellini

Leftover tortellini and pesto can be stored in an airtight container. When properly stored and refrigerated it should keep for up a couple of days.

Serve your tortellini with one of these recipes.

• Vegan Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
• Celery Salad in Lemon Ginger Dressing
• Potato Salad in Tahini Dressing
• Baked Chicken Nuggets from Scratch
• Dairy Free Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Fresh Apple Salsa