Creamy Pesto Tortellini
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
687 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Pesto Tortellini
Description
This recipe uses refrigerated cheese tortellini cooked according to package instructions, then cooled to maintain texture. The tortellini is tossed with half the Caesar salad dressing, which provides a creamy tang. Adding basil pesto infuses herbal richness that complements the cheese filling. Cherry tomatoes and chopped olives introduce juiciness and briny depth, while green onions add a mild sharpness. Sunflower seeds contribute a subtle crunch.
The salad may be served warm or cold, allowing flexibility for different meal contexts. Fresh grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled inside the salad and as a garnish elevates the dish’s creamy flavor and adds a salty finish. Chopped fresh basil leaves give a fragrant herbal note to finish.
To make it more filling, proteins such as grilled chicken or sausage can be added, based on preference. Additional vegetables like sautéed zucchini or bell peppers can enhance color and nutrition, offering customization opportunities.
Ingredients
- 20 ounce package cheese tortellini , refrigerated kind
- 1 cup caesar salad dressing , homemade or store-bought
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomato halved
- 6 ounces black olives , drained and chopped
- 3 green onions , chopped
- 1/4 cup basil pesto , homemade or store-bought
- salt to taste, freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 2/3 cup Parmesan Cheese divided, freshly grated
- 6-8 basil chopped, for garnish, fresh leaves
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and allow to cool.
- Add tortellini to a large bowl and toss with 1/2 the caesar dressing. Add tomatoes, olives, green onion, pesto, salt, pepper and garlic powder, 1/3 cup fresh parmesan, and sunflower seeds and toss to combine. Add more caesar dressing, to make it saucier, if desired.
- Serve warm or cold. Garnish with remaining fresh parmesan and fresh chopped basil before serving.
Notes
- The serving size is about 1.5 cups per portion.
- Add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp to increase protein and make the dish heartier.
- Consider adding sautéed zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 687 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 687kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 46g | 71% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15g | 88% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 62mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 1623mg | 68% |
| Potassium | 192mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 696IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 297mg | 30% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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