Love weeknight meals again with this 30 Minute Pesto Tortellini. All you need is 8 ingredients and 30 minutes and you will have a mouth watering dinner the whole family will love!
This 30-Minute Pesto Tortellini is the kind of easy, comforting dinner you’ll come back to again and again. Tender cheese-filled tortellini are tossed in a vibrant basil pesto sauce that coats every bite with fresh, garlicky flavor, making it feel indulgent without being heavy. Ready from start to finish in just half an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want some yummy pasta.
If you love fresh basil pesto, you’ll love this pesto tortellini. It’s quick and full of flavor, just like our Sausage and Tortellini Soup and Pesto Chicken Meatballs!
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Tortellini and Pesto
- This 30-minute Pesto Tortellini recipe is perfect for busy nights, delivering a delicious meal in just half an hour.
- Kids love the cheesy goodness of 30-Minute Pesto Tortellini, making it a family favorite.
- This pasta recipe includes wholesome ingredients, offering a nutritious meal option.
Recipe Ingredients
- Pesto Sauce: This herby sauce infuses the dish with fresh flavors. For a personalized touch, use homemade pesto. However, if you’re short on time, store-bought pesto is a convenient and flavorful alternative.
- Cremini Mushrooms: Sliced cremini mushrooms add a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and a slightly gritty texture.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Protein Boost: For an added protein boost, incorporate grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or Italian sausage into the recipe.
- Herbs and Spice Variation: Consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a teaspoon of dried oregano for an earthy note, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for a bright finish.
How to Make Pesto Tortellini
Step 1: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the tortellini according to the package’s directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Meanwhile, as the tortellini is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add the mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until browned. Add the drained tortellini and cook until lightly toasted and browned around the edges. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant.
Step 4: Remove from the heat and stir in the pesto, basil, and parmesan. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Pat Mushrooms Dry: Before sautéing, pat the mushrooms dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Save Pasta Water: Optional but you can reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the tortellini. Adding a splash of this reserved pasta water can emulsify the sauce, making it creamier and better at coating the pasta. Adjust to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Yes, you can easily add vegetables to this 30 Minute Pesto Tortellini recipe. Consider incorporating spinach, artichoke hearts, black olives, red onion, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Add them along with the mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
For delicious sides that complement this pesto tortellini, try Cheesy Garlic Bread, Roasted Vegetables, or Orzo Arugula Salad. These options enhance the meal with their varied textures and flavors.
Yes, you can bake this pesto tortellini. After combining all ingredients, transfer to an oven-safe baking dish, sprinkle with extra parmesan, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Storage Info
To STORE Pesto and Tortellini, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also FREEZE it for up to 2 months.
To REHEAT, thaw in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring every minute, until hot. Add a splash of water or extra pesto to maintain moisture.
More Pesto and Tortellini Recipes to Try
30 Minute Pesto Tortellini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) pkg three cheese tortellini
- 12 oz cremini mushrooms - sliced
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic - minced
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup fresh basil - julienned
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese - freshly grated
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook the tortellini according to the package's directions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, as the tortellini is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
- Add the mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until browned. Add the drained tortellini and cook until lightly toasted and browned around the edges. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the pesto, basil, and parmesan. Serve immediately.
Such an easy dinner, and the pesto coated everything perfectly.
It is incredibly light and yummy. I might add some Xtra garlic i will definitely make it again.
Family loved this. Real easy to make. Used fresh basil from the garden too. Used 24oz of tortellini from Costco pack and added a little bit more pesto and mushrooms to account for larger quantity.
Hi Phil, thanks for sharing your changes and for your 5 Star review!