Blooming Fresh: Spring Pesto Tortellini Recipe

Twirling forks into a vibrant spring pesto tortellini brings instant comfort and zesty flavor to your dinner table.

Tender cheese-filled pasta gets tossed with a bright, herbaceous sauce that sings of fresh garden goodness.

Basil leaves and pine nuts create a classic pesto that coats each tortellini with rich, aromatic notes.

Weeknight meals rarely look this elegant or taste this spectacular.

This dish combines simple ingredients with gourmet flair, making it perfect for casual suppers or impromptu gatherings.

Packed with color and Mediterranean charm, these tortellini promise a delightful culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delectable recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a memorable meal.

Kitchen Tools to Make Pesto Tortellini a Breeze

• Large Stockpot: Essential for boiling water, cooking tortellini, asparagus, and peas.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing mushrooms and chicken, and mixing final ingredients.
• Colander: Needed to drain tortellini and rinse with cold water.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing ingredients before cooking.
• Chef's Knife: Required for chopping or slicing any ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients in the skillet.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of olive oil.

Step-by-Step Prep for Spring Pesto Tortellini

• Kitchen Prep

Gather all your fresh ingredients and cooking tools. Ensure your workspace is clean and organized for a smooth cooking experience.

• Veggie Blanching

Boil water in a large pot and quickly cook asparagus and peas to preserve their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Remove and set aside.

• Pasta Foundation

Cook tortellini according to package guidance, then cool with a gentle rinse to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

• Mushroom Magic

Sauté mushrooms in a skillet until they develop a rich, golden-brown color and release their earthy aroma. Set aside on a separate plate.

• Protein Power

Cook chicken in the same skillet, seasoning it to enhance its natural flavors until it’s perfectly done and slightly caramelized.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine tortellini, vegetables, and chicken in the skillet. Drizzle with pesto, gently tossing to ensure every bite is coated with herbaceous goodness.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, allowing it to melt slightly. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Tips & Twists for Perfect Spring Tortellini

• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, crispy tofu, or plant-based sausage for a quick flavor transformation and dietary flexibility.
• Experiment with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers to add vibrant colors and extra nutrition to the dish.
• Create homemade pesto using fresh basil, spinach, or arugula for a personalized twist, and adjust garlic and pine nut quantities to suit your taste preferences.
• Prepare components separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, assembling the dish just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Presenting Spring Tortellini at the Table

• Fresh Garden Party Plating: Create a vibrant presentation by arranging the tortellini on a large white ceramic platter, letting the green asparagus and peas peek through the pasta for a colorful display.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the pesto's herbal notes with a crisp sauvignon blanc or a light pinot grigio that enhances the fresh spring vegetable flavors.
• Texture Enhancer Garnish: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft tortellini and tender chicken.
• Side Salad Companion: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich pesto and add a refreshing element to the meal.

How to Keep Tortellini Fresh Meals

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families needing delicious, fast meals during hectic evenings.
• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. The tortellini stays fresh and maintains its flavor when sealed properly in the refrigerator.
• Lunch Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches that taste just as delicious when reheated the next day.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze unused pesto in small portions using ice cube trays, allowing quick flavor boosts for future meals without waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Spring Pesto Tortellini

• Tortellini: Cheesy pasta pillows that form the hearty base of this spring-inspired dish.
• Asparagus: Crisp green vegetable that adds a fresh, tender crunch with subtle earthy notes.
• Peas: Sweet, vibrant green gems that bring natural sweetness and delicate texture.
• Mushrooms: Rich, umami-packed fungi that provide depth and meaty undertones to the recipe.

• Chicken: Lean protein that transforms the dish into a satisfying and complete meal.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds a luxurious finishing touch and complex flavor.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity cooking fat that ensures perfect sautéing and adds rich Mediterranean essence.
• Pesto: Bright, herbaceous sauce that coats ingredients with intense basil and garlic flavors, binding all components together.

Vibrant Spring Pesto Tortellini Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy spring pesto tortellini delivers a delightful Italian-inspired pasta experience. Cheese-filled tortellini mingles with fresh herbs, creating a light and flavorful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) cheese tortellini
• 1 large chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces and seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs
• 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into thirds
• 6 oz (170 g) crimini mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen green peas, thawed
• 1 batch fresh pesto
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil, divided
• 2 tbsps (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare Boiling Liquid: Fill a large stockpot with water, bringing it to a rapid, rolling boil.
2. Blanch Vegetables: Submerge asparagus and peas into the boiling water, cooking for two minutes to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
3. Cook Tortellini: Gently drop tortellini into the water, following package instructions until they float and become tender.
4. Shock and Drain: Quickly transfer pasta and vegetables to a colander, rinsing under cold water to cease cooking and prevent sticking.
5. Sauté Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, adding sliced mushrooms and cooking until they develop a rich, caramelized golden-brown exterior.
6. Cook Chicken: Remove mushrooms and use the same skillet to cook seasoned chicken pieces until thoroughly golden and fully cooked.
7. Combine Ingredients: Reintroduce asparagus, peas, tortellini, and previously sautéed mushrooms to the skillet with the chicken.
8. Finish and Serve: Fold in pesto, ensuring every ingredient is generously coated, then remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Timing Precision: Cook asparagus and peas exactly 2 minutes to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture, preventing mushiness or loss of nutrients.
• Mushroom Mastery: Brown mushrooms separately to develop deep, caramelized flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy when mixed with other ingredients.
• Pasta Performance: Follow package instructions for tortellini cooking time, watching for them to float and become tender to ensure perfect al dente texture.
• Sauce Coating Technique: Gently fold pesto throughout the dish, ensuring every ingredient gets an even, luxurious coverage of flavor without overwhelming the delicate ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg