Pesto Tortellini and Asparagus Skillet Recipe
This Pesto Tortellini and Asparagus Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini, crisp asparagus, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a vibrant basil pesto sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying weeknight dinner made in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 20 oz Cheese-filled Tortellini (found in the refrigerated section)
Vegetables
- 1 lb. asparagus (cut into 2 inch pieces)
- 8 oz. cherry tomatoes (whole or halved)
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: In a large pot of boiling water, cook cheese-filled tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the tortellini.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for about 3 minutes until they start to become tender-crisp. Then add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes until tomatoes are lightly charred and asparagus is cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Combine: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cooked tortellini, reserved pasta water, basil pesto, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together to create a flavorful sauce coating the pasta and vegetables.
- Finish with Parmesan: Once the mixture is heated through and well combined, remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, topping with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of pasta water or a spoonful of cream along with the pesto.
- Feel free to substitute asparagus with green beans or broccoli florets.
- You can use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder in a pinch, though fresh is best for flavor.
- The addition of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat but can be adjusted or omitted based on taste preferences.
- Use vegetarian Parmesan if you require a vegetarian-friendly cheese.
Keywords: pesto tortellini, asparagus skillet, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, basil pesto pasta, cheese tortellini, easy weeknight dinner
