This creamy pesto tortellini is a delightful twist on a classic pasta dish, combining tender cheese-filled tortellini with a rich, herbaceous caesar pesto sauce.
Packed with protein from cheese and sunflower seeds, fiber from tomatoes and green onions, and heart-healthy fats from basil pesto, it’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal prep.
20-Minute Creamy Pesto Tortellini
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling tortellini)
- large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander (for draining tortellini)
- Spoon or spatula (for tossing)
Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini refrigerated
- 1 cup caesar salad dressing homemade or store-bought
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 6 oz black olives drained and chopped
- 3 green onions chopped
- ¼ cup basil pesto homemade or store-bought
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup sunflower seeds
- ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese divided
- 6 –8 fresh basil leaves chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini to Perfection: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the 20 ounces of refrigerated cheese tortellini. Stir occasionally to prevent the tortellini from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3–5 minutes, until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm in the center (al dente). Once cooked, drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse briefly with warm water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, pour in half of the cup of caesar salad dressing. This will serve as the creamy coating for your tortellini, giving it that rich, luscious flavor. Adding the dressing gradually ensures you can control the creaminess and avoid overpowering the pasta with too much sauce.
- Combine Tortellini with the Creamy Dressing: Transfer the slightly cooled tortellini into the bowl with the caesar dressing. Gently fold the pasta using a large spoon or spatula, ensuring each tortellini is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Take care to mix gently to avoid breaking the delicate pasta shells.
- Add Fresh Vegetables for Vibrancy: Now it’s time to bring color and freshness to your dish. Add 1 ½ cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 6 ounces of chopped black olives, and 3 chopped green onions to the bowl. Toss everything together gently so the vegetables are evenly distributed among the tortellini. This combination adds fiber, antioxidants, and a burst of flavor with every bite.
- Enhance Flavor with Basil Pesto and Seasoning: Spoon in ¼ cup of fragrant basil pesto and sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder over the mixture.Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The basil pesto introduces earthy, aromatic notes, while the garlic powder adds subtle warmth without overpowering the delicate flavors of the pasta. Fold gently until the sauce and seasonings are fully incorporated.
- Add Crunchy Sunflower Seeds and Parmesan Cheese: To give your dish a delightful crunch, sprinkle in ⅓ cup of sunflower seeds. Then, add ⅓ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and gently toss again. The cheese adds a salty, savory depth, while the sunflower seeds provide texture and a boost of plant-based protein and healthy fats. If you prefer a saucier pasta, now is the perfect time to drizzle in the remaining caesar dressing until the consistency suits your taste.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Pause and taste your tortellini. Adjust the salt, pepper, or dressing as needed. Tasting as you go ensures a perfectly balanced flavor, where the creamy sauce, fresh vegetables, and pesto work harmoniously.
- Serve Warm or Chilled: You can enjoy this dish warm straight from the bowl, or chill it for an hour in the refrigerator for a refreshing pasta salad version. Both options are equally delicious, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or picnic sides.
- Garnish with Fresh Basil and Parmesan: Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining freshly grated parmesan cheese on top and garnish with 6–8 chopped fresh basil leaves. The basil adds a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh, herbaceous aroma, while the extra parmesan ensures every bite is rich and flavorful.
- Presentation and Enjoyment: Serve your creamy pesto tortellini in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. The colorful mix of pasta, tomatoes, olives, and green onions, topped with fresh basil and parmesan, makes for a visually appealing and appetizing dish. Dig in and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, savory, fresh, and crunchy textures in every bite!
Notes
- Serving Size: Approximately 1½ cups per person.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Extra Veggies: Sautéed zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes great chilled, making it ideal for meal prep or picnic lunches.
- Sauce Adjustments: Add more caesar dressing or a splash of olive oil to achieve your preferred creaminess.
- Nut-Free Option: Sunflower seeds can be replaced with pumpkin seeds or omitted for a nut-free version.
Chef’s Secrets For Ultimate Flavor
To maximize the flavor of your creamy pesto tortellini, start with high-quality ingredients.
Fresh basil pesto adds a vibrant, aromatic note, while homemade caesar dressing can elevate the creaminess and depth of flavor.
Be gentle when tossing the pasta; cheese tortellini is delicate and can break if stirred too vigorously.
Additionally, allow the tortellini to cool slightly before mixing with the dressing, which prevents the sauce from becoming too runny.
For an extra flavor boost, consider roasting the cherry tomatoes briefly—they intensify the natural sweetness and create a richer sauce.
Serving Suggestions For Every Occasion
This dish is versatile enough for casual weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.
Serve it warm as a hearty main course or chilled as a refreshing pasta salad for potlucks and picnics.
Pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
For a more indulgent option, drizzle a touch of high-quality olive oil over the top just before serving, and consider a light sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to enhance the texture and nutty flavor.
Storage Tips For Longer Freshness
Creamy pesto tortellini stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the pasta from absorbing excess moisture.
If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, gently stir in a small amount of extra caesar dressing or olive oil before serving.
This recipe can also be frozen, though fresh vegetables and cream-based sauces may change texture slightly; if freezing, store the pasta and vegetables separately for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this pasta vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free tortellini, vegan parmesan, and a plant-based caesar dressing. Nutritional yeast can replace the parmesan for a cheesy flavor. The result is still creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein from plant-based sources like sunflower seeds.
2. Can I use dry tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely. Cooking times may be slightly longer for dry tortellini, typically 9–11 minutes. Be sure to check for doneness (al dente) before draining. Dry tortellini also works well if you want to make a larger batch ahead of time.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce when tossing the pasta with the dressing. This gives a gentle heat that balances the creaminess of the caesar pesto.
4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it’s an excellent make-ahead dish. Mix the tortellini, dressing, vegetables, and pesto, then store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Add fresh basil and parmesan just before serving to keep the flavors bright.
5. What protein options work best with this dish?
Grilled or roasted chicken, sautéed shrimp, or lightly browned sausage are ideal. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a convenient choice.
Adding protein not only makes the dish more filling but also complements the creamy, herbaceous flavors beautifully.
