Pesto Tortellini with Grated Parmesan (25 Minutes)

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This pesto tortellini recipe is a perfect example of a quick and easy meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. The combination of tender tortellini and homemade pesto sauce is an instant crowd-pleaser. Plus, it can be on the table in under 30 minutes to make from start to finish, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions, until al dente.
  2. While the tortellini is cooking, make the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
  3. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Drain the cooked tortellini and add it to a large serving bowl. Pour the pesto sauce over the tortellini and toss to combine.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or Parmesan cheese to suit your taste preferences. I sometimes throw some chopped tomatoes and a hint of balsamic vinegar into the food processor while I’m making the pesto for added flavor as well. If you want to include some protein, try tossing some grilled chicken or shrimp over the pasta before serving. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is a winner for any busy night.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 600 calories
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 43g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Pair this with...

Simple Tossed Salad

Start by tearing your iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring a cool and crunchy base. Thinly slice a red onion, adding a pop of color and a zesty kick. For a refreshing crunch, slice up some cucumber, and for a sweet contrast, add in slivers of red pepper. Once your components are prepped and in the bowl, give everything a good toss, ensuring the ingredients are mixed and every bite will have a little bit of everything. For a simple dressing, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon over the top, adding a burst of citrusy brightness.

Garlic Knots

Start with some store-bought or homemade pizza dough for convenience. Roll it out on a floured surface and slice it into even strips. Take each strip and tie it into a simple knot, placing each one onto a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven and let them bake until they're golden and slightly puffed. While they're doing their magic in the oven, melt some butter in a pan and sauté finely minced garlic until it's fragrant but not browned. Add a sprinkle of salt, parsley, and maybe even a dash of grated Parmesan cheese to this buttery concoction. Once the knots are out of the oven and still warm, generously brush them with your garlic butter mixture.

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a fan favorite that brings out the vegetable's natural sweetness, complemented by a smoky char. Start by slicing your zucchini lengthwise into planks, not too thin to ensure they hold up on the grill. Lightly brush them with olive oil on both sides to keep them from sticking and to enhance that delicious grill flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and maybe a touch of pepper or your favorite herbs. Once your grill is nice and hot, lay those zucchini slices down and listen to that satisfying sizzle. Grill for a few minutes on each side until you've got those hallmark grill marks and the zucchini is tender with a slight crunch.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

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Honey Glazed Baked Salmon (60 Minutes)

Savory Spinach and Mushroom Risotto (50 Minutes)

Farmers Harvest Chicken and Rice Skillet (1 Hr, 10 Mins)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!