Creamy Pesto Tortellini Recipe

Dreamy, garlicky, and loaded with tender cheese pillows, this Creamy Pesto Tortellini is my secret weapon for weeknights when I want dinner to feel utterly special without any heavy lifting. With a lush, basil-forward sauce that clings to every bite and a golden shower of parmesan on top, this is comfort food with a gourmet touch—on your table in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of well-chosen ingredients transform simple tortellini into a comforting, flavor-packed meal. Every element in this recipe has a job—bringing silkiness, savoriness, and that signature pop of green to your Creamy Pesto Tortellini!

• Butter: Creates a luscious base for the sauce and adds subtle richness—don’t skip the sauté step!
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings to every bite of tortellini.
• Heavy Cream: Lends luxurious creaminess and body to the pesto sauce.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Balances out the richness and adds savory depth; use veggie broth to keep it vegetarian.
• Prepared Pesto: The star flavor—choose your favorite basil pesto, homemade or store-bought (quality really shines here!).
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and helps thicken the sauce.
• Cheese Tortellini (refrigerated or frozen): Plump, cheesy, and super convenient—no boiling needed beforehand!
• Fresh Basil (for garnish): A final burst of color and classic Italian aroma—totally optional, but so worth it.

Variations

One of the best parts about Creamy Pesto Tortellini is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Don’t be afraid to swap ingredients to match what you have on hand or tailor it for your family’s tastes and dietary needs!

• Try a Different Pesto: Sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto add a new dimension to the signature sauce.
• Add Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in fresh baby spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms to sneak in extra veggies.
• Dairy-Free or Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or a favorite dairy-free cream and use vegan parmesan to suit special diets.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Tortellini

Step 1: Make the Creamy Roux Base

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. As soon as it starts to foam, whisk in the flour and let that cook for 30–60 seconds—this helps get rid of the raw taste and gives your sauce a beautifully smooth foundation.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Pour in the broth nice and slow while whisking, then bring everything to a gentle simmer so the sauce can start to thicken. Now, gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the mixture is velvety and smooth—let it bubble softly for a couple of minutes to reach its full creamy potential.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Magic

Drop in the pesto and parmesan cheese, then whisk until everything is deeply fragrant and perfectly blended. They’ll turn the base into a bright, herby, utterly irresistible cream sauce in seconds!

Step 4: Finish with Tortellini

Add the frozen or refrigerated tortellini straight into the bubbling sauce—no need to boil first! Let them simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re hot and perfectly tender. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce, making every bite extra creamy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon your Creamy Pesto Tortellini into warm bowls and top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil for that gorgeous pop of green and a true Italian finish. Serve immediately—bonus points for extra parmesan at the table!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Tortellini

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil (or parsley), extra parmesan, and a pinch of black pepper set this dish off—each adds color, aroma, and a finishing touch of Italian flair. A little lemon zest on top will brighten every bite if you’re in the mood!

Side Dishes

This Creamy Pesto Tortellini absolutely shines alongside a crisp green salad, garlicky roasted vegetables, or classic garlic bread. If you want to keep it simple, a hunk of crusty bread is all you need to mop up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the tortellini in shallow bowls with a pile of fresh basil, or arrange individual ramekins for a dinner party feel. For family-style, heap it onto a large platter and top with even more parmesan—let everyone help themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Creamy Pesto Tortellini stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. For best results, portion it out before storing and avoid overmixing, which can break up the tender pasta.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this is one pasta dish that doesn’t love the freezer—the creamy sauce and tortellini texture simply don’t hold up after thawing. For a make-ahead option, prep the sauce and pasta separately and combine just before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or gently warm on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to bring back that luscious creaminess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something creamy, bright, and undeniably satisfying, Creamy Pesto Tortellini is a must-try. It’s a quick-fix comfort meal that never fails to make even an ordinary night feel a little more special. Give it a go—I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!

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