Pesto Tortellini Pasta
Easy pesto tortellini pasta combines cheese tortellini with vibrant basil pesto for a quick, delicious Italian meal.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Zester or grater
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 20 oz package fresh cheese tortellini (refrigerated section)
- 2/3 cup good-quality basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large shallot finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 –2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar to taste, optional
- 1/4 cup half-and-half or heavy cream optional, for creamy sauce
- 1 small lemon zest + 2 tablespoons juice
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese divided
- Cherry tomatoes halved (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Toasted pine nuts optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook until just al dente, following package instructions (usually 2–4 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In the empty pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add shallot, sauté 2 minutes until soft. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pesto, 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar, and cream if using. Slowly whisk in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water until emulsified.
- Add cooked tortellini, sautéed shallot/garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half the parmesan to the bowl. Toss gently to combine. Add more pasta water if needed for a silky sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, extra pesto, vinegar, or lemon as desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with cherry tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, and remaining parmesan.
Notes
Substitute gluten-free or vegan tortellini and dairy-free pesto to suit dietary needs.
For extra protein, add cooked chicken or white beans.
Excellent as a cold pasta salad for meal prep.