Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxurious, cheese-laden tortellini, draped in a velvety basil pesto cream sauce that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. This isn't just another pasta dish – it's a culinary love affair that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create in just 25 minutes. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet weeknight indulgence, this Basil Pesto Cream Tortellini will become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package tortellini (about 12 oz)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the tortellini to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender and floating at the surface. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the tortellini is cooking, prepare the pesto cream sauce. In a large skillet, combine heavy cream and basil pesto over medium heat, stirring continuously to blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and well-incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- When the tortellini is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the tortellini in a colander.
- Add the drained tortellini directly into the pesto cream sauce, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer the creamy tortellini to serving plates, ensuring an even distribution of sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, to add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with additional grated Parmesan cheese on the side for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality basil pesto and authentic Parmesan cheese for the most vibrant flavor.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta cooking water. Its starchy nature helps create a silkier, more cohesive sauce.
- Temperature Control: Keep the cream sauce on low heat to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil isn't just decoration – it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc.
- Make-Ahead Tip: While best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce in advance and quickly reheat when ready to serve.
- Customize Your Dish: Experiment with different tortellini fillings like cheese, spinach, or even meat to vary the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 560kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
