Description
A quick and flavorful skillet dish combining cheese-filled tortellini, tender asparagus, fresh cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 20 oz Cheese-filled Tortellini (found in the refrigerated section)
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 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 the Tortellini: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the cheese-filled tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Asparagus and Tomatoes: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add the cherry tomatoes and cook another 3 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the tomatoes start to lightly char.
- Add Garlic and Combine Ingredients: 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 well to combine all the ingredients and heat everything through.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and optionally top with extra parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and bind the pesto to the pasta perfectly.
- Use fresh asparagus for best texture; snap off the woody ends before cutting.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or milk when adding the pesto.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: pesto tortellini, asparagus skillet, Italian pasta dish, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta, basil pesto recipe
