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Creamy Pesto Tortellini Recipe with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and comforting creamy pesto tortellini dish with fresh cherry tomatoes that balances richness and brightness for an easy, delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 ounces (250 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1 cup (150 grams) fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 9 ounces (250 grams) of cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, about 3-4 minutes for fresh or 5-7 minutes for frozen, until al dente. Drain well using a colander, reserving about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water. Do not rinse.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
  3. Add 1 cup (150 grams) halved fresh cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften but still hold their shape.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in ½ cup (120 ml) basil pesto and ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream. Mix gently and heat through for about 2 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  5. Add drained tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the creamy pesto sauce. Warm through for 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with ¼ cup (25 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Optionally, add a grind of black pepper on top.

Notes

Do not overcook the tortellini to keep it al dente. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to pasta. Cook cream on low heat to prevent curdling. Fresh pesto is preferred but store-bought works well. Avoid burning garlic to maintain flavor balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto tortellini, cherry tomatoes, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, basil pesto, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/creamy-pesto-tortellini-recipe-with-fresh-cherry-tomatoes-easy-and-delicious/