Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Creamy Pesto Tortellini
Creamy Pesto Tortellini is made with package cheese tortellini, basil pesto, and caesar salad dressing.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Original yield
- Serves 6
- Ingredients
- 12 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Main course
- Cuisine
- American
- Preparation & total time
- Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 30 minutes or less
A few quick notes
1. Check the package directions
Use the package directions where the method calls for them.
2. Allow for cooling
Include the cooling stage before the next step.
3. Prepare the finishing addition
Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.
Get to know the ingredients
package cheese tortellini (, refrigerated kind)
In the method: Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
caesar salad dressing (, homemade or store-bought)
In the method: Add tortellini to a large bowl and toss with 1/2 the caesar dressing.
cherry tomatoes (, halved)
In the method: Add tomatoes, olives, green onion, pesto, salt, pepper and garlic powder, 1/3 cup fresh parmesan, and sunflower seeds and toss to combine.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 6. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
Ingredient note
Source: 20 ounce package cheese tortellini (, refrigerated kind)Ingredient note
Source: 1 cup caesar salad dressing (, homemade or store-bought)Ingredient note
Source: 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (, halved)Ingredient note
Source: 6 ounces black olives (, drained and chopped)Ingredient note
Source: 3 green onions (, chopped)Ingredient note
Source: 1/4 cup basil pestoIngredient note
Source seasoning: salt and freshly ground black pepper (, to taste)Ingredient note
Source seasoning: salt and freshly ground black pepper (, to taste)Ingredient note
Source: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powderIngredient note
Source: 1/3 cup sunflower seedsIngredient note
Source: 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (, divided)Ingredient note
Source: 6-8 fresh basil leaves (, chopped, for garnish); upper source range endpoint used for shopping.
How to make it
0 of 3 steps completeMake room for Creamy Pesto Tortellini
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Finish as directed
Garnish with remaining fresh parmesan and fresh chopped basil before serving.
A few questions you might have
What should I prepare first?
Start with this step: Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
Which preparation step should I plan for?
Use the package directions where the method calls for them.
What happens at the end?
Garnish with remaining fresh parmesan and fresh chopped basil before serving.
How do I plan the ingredient amounts?
This version serves 6. Use the ingredient amounts listed for that yield. If you change the number of portions, check equipment and the full method as well as the shopping quantities.
Additional recipe notes
Servings size is about 1.5 cups Add Protein to make it a heartier meal, like chicken, sausage or shrimp. Rotisserie chicken would work great, or leftover cooked, grilled chicken. Extra Veggies : Add sautéed zucchini or yellow squash, chopped bell peppers, spinach.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: tastesbetterfromscratch.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.