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Fresh Pesto Tortellini Recipe with Juicy Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy fresh pesto tortellini dish featuring vibrant homemade pesto and roasted juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (about 50 g)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) pine nuts, lightly toasted (or walnuts as substitute)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pint (300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved or whole if small
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 12-15 minutes until softened and blistered but still holding shape.
  2. While tomatoes roast, prepare pesto by combining fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  3. With processor running, slowly pour in olive oil and blend until smooth and creamy with some texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, add lemon juice if using.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
  5. Drain tortellini, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) pasta water. Return tortellini to pot or large bowl.
  6. Toss tortellini with pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to coat evenly without heaviness.
  7. Gently fold in roasted cherry tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for spice.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook tortellini to avoid mushy texture. Roasting tomatoes enhances sweetness and texture contrast. Toast pine nuts lightly for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to emulsify pesto and pasta. Lemon juice brightens pesto flavor. Can substitute nuts for allergies and use vegan/dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto, tortellini, cherry tomatoes, quick pasta, easy dinner, fresh basil, homemade pesto, roasted tomatoes

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