This tri-color tortellini recipe is an easy and delicious weeknight dinner. Tossed with a homemade creamy basil pesto sauce, this quick meal is made in just 20 minutes!
Easy weeknight meals are a must in my house. With four kids, there isn't always time to cook an extensive meal. Being busy doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice real food and especially flavor.
This easy tri-color tortellini recipe is thrown together in no time with fresh and delicious flavors. This is my favorite sauce to add to pasta for a light and refreshing flavor.
Serve this creamy tri-color tortellini with grilled broccolini, roasted lemon asparagus or spinach salad with pears.
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🥬 Ingredient notes
- Tortellini - Tri-color cheese tortellini is a fun way to add color and flavor to a meal. Either fresh pasta or dried tortellini may be used for this recipe. Cooking times will be different for each, so follow the package directions. Regular cheese tortellini or even spinach tortellini may also be used as alternatives.
- Pesto Sauce - This homemade pesto sauce is made with simple ingredients and comes together in no time. It's fresh, creamy and the perfect light and flavorful sauce to pair with this tortellini. In a pinch, store bought pesto can be used instead. You will need 1 cup or 8 ounces.
📋 Substitutions and variations
- Meat - Add grilled chicken, Italian sausage or meatballs to the finished sauce for a heartier meal.
🔪 Step by step instructions
First, start cooking the tri-color tortellini in a large saucepot of boiling salted water.
While the pasta is cooking, make your homemade basil pesto in a food processor. If you are using store bought pesto, you can skip this step.
When the pasta is done cooking, drain all but ¼ cup of the water from it and then return the tortellini to the pot. Add the reserved water, pesto and heavy cream and toss to combine. Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with extra parmesan cheese, if desired.
If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that I mention, be sure to look it up in the Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information.
⭐ Expert tips
- Cooking the pasta in boiling salted water will add flavor to the dish. Make sure to only cook it until al dente so it doesn't become mushy.
- The reserved pasta water will add extra flavor to the dish and will also help the sauce stick to the pasta. If you forget, extra cream or vegetable broth can be added instead.
🥡 Storage instructions
Leftover tri-color tortellini will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. A little bit of extra cream or broth can be added to help prevent the pasta from becoming dry.
🍝 More pasta recipes
If you loved this tri-color tortellini recipe, check out these other pasta dishes that I know you will love too!
- Authentic Italian Manicotti
- Carbonara Mac and Cheese
- Pasta with Pancetta and Peas
- Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
📖 Recipe
Tri-Color Tortellini Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces tri-color tortellini dried or fresh
- 1 cup basil pesto homemade or store bought
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini in boiling salted water until al dente, according to the package directions.
- While the tortellini is cooking, the homemade pesto can be made or this step can be used if store bought pesto is being used.
- When the tortellini is cooked to al dente, drain all but ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water from the pasta.
- Return the pasta back to the pot and toss with pesto, reserved pasta water and the heavy cream.
- Serve hot, topped with extra parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Cooking the pasta in boiling salted water will add flavor to the dish. Make sure to only cook it until al dente so it doesn't become mushy.
- The reserved pasta water will add extra flavor to the dish and will also help the sauce stick to the pasta. If you forget, extra cream or vegetable broth can be added instead.
Substitutions and Variations
- Tortellini - Dried or fresh tri-color tortellini may be used as well as regular cheese or spinach cheese tortellini.
- Meat - Add grilled chicken, Italian sausage or meatballs to the finished sauce.
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