Pesto Tortellini Pasta Recipe
User Reviews
5
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Recipe
Description
The Pesto Tortellini Pasta Recipe blends cheese-filled tortellini with classic pesto sauce and fresh components for a pasta salad with varied textures and bright flavors. Cooking the tortellini according to package directions ensures tender but resilient pasta, while rinsing stops further cooking, preserving shape and firmness. Grape tomatoes add freshness and juicy acidity, complementing the richness of mozzarella pearls. The pesto provides an herbal, garlicky coating that ties the dish together. The final balsamic glaze drizzle brings a slight sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory pesto.
The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a flexible dish for picnics or casual meals. Fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top add a final aromatic touch. The recipe allows room for customization by adjusting pesto and cheese quantities or adding other ingredients like grilled vegetables or chicken.
Using good quality pesto, whether store-bought or homemade, enhances the flavor significantly. Preparing the salad ahead of time and refrigerating lets the flavors marry well, though be sure to drain tortellini well to prevent excess moisture. Halving the grape tomatoes helps distribute their flavor evenly throughout the salad.
Ingredients
- 16-20 ounce cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- 8 ounce mozzarella pearls
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- basil fresh, for garnish
- balsamic glaze for drizzle
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain & rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, add cooked tortellini, pesto, tomatoes, & mozzarella and gently mix to combine
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves
- Serve with balsamic glaze
Notes
- Cook tortellini as per package instructions and drain thoroughly to avoid watery salad.
- Use quality pesto, either store-bought or homemade, for the best flavor.
- Halve the grape tomatoes for even distribution and flavor release.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls give better texture; if unavailable, cube regular mozzarella.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving for balanced sweetness and acidity.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 424 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 424kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 44mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 552mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 187mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1074IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 283mg | 28% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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