What is a Pesto Tortellini Skillet?

A Pesto Tortellini Skillet is a one-pan dish featuring cheese tortellini cooked with pesto sauce and often combined with vegetables, protein, or cheese for a quick and flavorful meal.

How do you make Pesto Tortellini Skillet?

To make Pesto Tortellini Skillet, cook tortellini according to package instructions, then sauté with pesto sauce, vegetables, and optional protein in a skillet until heated through. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Can I use frozen tortellini for Pesto Tortellini Skillet?

Yes, frozen tortellini works great for this dish. Simply cook or sauté them directly from frozen, adjusting cooking time as needed to ensure they are thoroughly heated before mixing with pesto and other ingredients.

What are good additions to Pesto Tortellini Skillet?

Vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini, along with proteins such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage, make excellent additions to enhance the flavor and nutrition of Pesto Tortellini Skillet.

Is Pesto Tortellini Skillet gluten-free?

Traditional tortellini contains gluten, so Pesto Tortellini Skillet is not gluten-free unless made with gluten-free tortellini. Ensure that the pesto sauce and all other ingredients are also gluten-free if needed.

How do I store and reheat leftovers of Pesto Tortellini Skillet?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture.

Pesto Tortellini Skillet: The 20 Minute Dinner You’ll Crave 2026

Name: Pesto Tortellini Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 package (20 ounces) cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated; 1/2 cup pesto, store-bought or homemade; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (plus more as needed); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Pesto Tortellini Skillet

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This creamy Pesto Tortellini Skillet comes together in just 20 minutes using a secret trick with starchy pasta water. It is a quick one-skillet dinner that turns simple ingredients into a warm, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 5min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 20min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: dinner
Method: skillet
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1 package (20 ounces) cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
1/2 cup pesto, store-bought or homemade
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (plus more as needed)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions (about 3-5 minutes for fresh). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the tortellini and set aside; do not rinse.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts or walnuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until golden and fragrant. Remove nuts from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked tortellini, pesto, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir gently to combine. The pasta water will create a silky, creamy sauce. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if a thinner sauce is desired.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and half of the toasted nuts. Stir gently. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with the remaining nuts and fresh basil leaves. Add extra Parmesan at the table.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. To add protein, include grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans. If the sauce thickens after sitting, add a splash of warm pasta water or milk before serving. Toasting the nuts is key for extra flavor and crunch.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 650
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 4
Unsaturated Fat: 12
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 48
Fiber: 4
Protein: 16
Cholesterol: 25

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/pesto-tortellini-skillet/