20-Minute Creamy Pesto Tortellini
Tender cheese tortellini coated in a creamy caesar pesto sauce, tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, olives, green onions, and sunflower seeds. Garnished with fresh basil and parmesan, this flavorful pasta is high in protein, fiber-rich, and ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.
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.
