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- 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste Gather these fresh ingredients. They are key to making your creamy pesto tortellini shine. The cheese tortellini is the heart of this dish. You can use fresh or frozen tortellini; both work great. The vegetable broth adds flavor and moisture. Heavy cream makes it rich and smooth. Next, you need pesto sauce. You can buy it or make your own if you like. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of juicy goodness. Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. Don’t forget the pantry essentials. Olive oil helps cook the garlic and adds flavor. Minced garlic gives a lovely aroma. Season with salt and pepper for taste. With these ingredients ready, you’re set to create a simple and tasty meal. 1. Heating the olive oil and sautéing garlic Start by taking a large pot. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell nice but not burn. 2. Cooking the tortellini Next, pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well, then add 2 cups of cheese tortellini. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the tortellini for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until they become tender. 1. Adding cream and pesto When the tortellini is cooked, add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of pesto sauce to the pot. Stir well to mix everything. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will make your sauce nice and creamy. 2. Mixing in tomatoes and cheese Now, add 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the tomatoes warm up and the cheese melts. This adds great flavor and texture. 1. Seasoning and adjusting sauce consistency Taste your dish and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth. This helps reach your desired sauce consistency. 2. Serving the creamy pesto tortellini Once done, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for a minute. Serve the creamy pesto tortellini in deep bowls. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if you like. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice shine. Enjoy your meal! To avoid overcooking tortellini, watch the clock. Cook them just until they are tender. This usually takes 5-7 minutes. Test one to check for doneness. If it feels firm, it needs more time. For seasoning, taste as you cook. Start with salt and pepper. You can always add more, but you can't take it out. Serve creamy pesto tortellini in deep bowls. This keeps the sauce from spilling over. Top with extra Parmesan cheese for a rich touch. Fresh basil leaves add color and flavor. For extra flair, drizzle olive oil on top. This gives a nice sheen and enhances taste. Using frozen tortellini is a great time-saver. You don’t need to thaw them before cooking. Just toss them straight into the pot with the broth. Prepping ingredients in advance can also help. Chop garlic and halve cherry tomatoes ahead of time. This way, when you're ready to cook, you can focus on making the dish delicious. {{image_2}} You can change the pasta type to suit your taste. Try using penne or farfalle instead of cheese tortellini. You might enjoy the different shapes and textures. If you want a new flavor, switch from pesto to sun-dried tomato pesto or roasted red pepper sauce. Both options add a unique twist to your dish. To make this dish vegan, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use vegan tortellini made from plant-based ingredients. Your meal will remain rich and tasty. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer great alternatives. Just check the package for cooking instructions. Add veggies to your meal for extra nutrition. Spinach or kale works well and cooks quickly. Just toss them in when you add the cream and pesto. For more protein, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp. They will blend nicely with the creamy sauce. Just make sure to heat them through before serving. To store leftovers, let the tortellini cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir in a bit of broth or cream to keep it creamy. You can also microwave it for one to two minutes. Just add a splash of liquid to avoid drying. For freezing, let the dish cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Use it within three months for the best taste. To thaw, move the container to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often, adding a little broth or cream to help with the texture. Consume leftovers within three days for best taste. Check for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or mold. If the tortellini looks dry or has changed color, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. How long does it take to cook tortellini? Cooking tortellini takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You will want to check the package for exact times. Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen. Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought? Yes, you can use homemade pesto. It adds a personal touch and fresh flavor. Just make sure it's well-blended for the best taste. Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you are ready to eat. What can I serve with creamy pesto tortellini? You can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread. Both pair well and add more flavor to the meal. How to make it less creamy? To make the dish less creamy, use less heavy cream. You can also add more vegetable broth to thin it out. Can I add more vegetables to the recipe? Absolutely! You can add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. They will enhance the flavor and add nutrients. We covered the key ingredients, from the cheese tortellini to the flavorful pesto. You learned how to prepare and cook this dish step by step. There are tips for cooking, presentation, and even storage. Remember, you can easily customize this recipe to fit your taste. Whether you prefer additional vegetables or different sauces, the options are endless. Enjoy making your creamy pesto tortellini and feel free to experiment. Cooking should be fun and tasty!

One Pot Creamy Pesto Tortellini

Delight in the flavors of One Pot Creamy Pesto Tortellini, a dish that's easy to make and bursting with deliciousness! This creamy recipe combines tender cheese tortellini, fresh cherry tomatoes, and rich pesto all in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a meal the whole family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to a comforting bowl of pasta goodness!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

    Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the cheese tortellini. Bring to a gentle boil.

      Reduce heat to a simmer and cook the tortellini for about 5-7 minutes (or according to package instructions), stirring occasionally, until they are tender.

        Once the tortellini is cooked, add the heavy cream and pesto to the pot. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and creamy.

          Add the halved cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir until the tomatoes are warmed and the cheese has melted.

            Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more of vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.

              Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pesto tortellini in deep bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch. A drizzle of olive oil can also add a nice sheen to the dish.