This 20-minute Pesto Tortellini brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your dinner table. The perfect marriage of tender cheese-filled pasta and vibrant basil pesto creates an irresistible Italian dish that’s both satisfying and simple.

Packed with 21g of protein and ready in just two quick steps, this family-favorite recipe delivers incredible taste without hours of kitchen time. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or need a quick weeknight meal, this tortellini dish proves that elegant cooking doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Fresh & Flavorful Ingredients

Cheese Tortellini: 20 oz refrigerated package, perfect for a quick meal
Caesar Dressing: 1 cup, either homemade or store-bought for creamy coating
Cherry Tomatoes: 1½ cups halved, adds fresh burst of flavor
Black Olives: 6 oz chopped, brings Mediterranean touch
Green Onions: 3 stalks chopped, for mild onion flavor
Basil Pesto: ¼ cup, adds rich herbal essence
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and ¼ tsp garlic powder for perfect taste
Sunflower Seeds: ⅓ cup for delightful crunch
Parmesan Cheese: ⅔ cup freshly grated, divided for mixing and garnish
Fresh Basil: 6-8 leaves chopped for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Pasta: Cook tortellini following package directions until tender, then drain and let cool
Initial Toss: In a large bowl, combine tortellini with half the caesar dressing
Mix Components: Add tomatoes, olives, green onions, pesto, seasonings, ⅓ cup parmesan, and sunflower seeds
Final Touches: Add extra dressing if desired for preferred consistency
Serve: Enjoy warm or cold, topped with remaining parmesan and fresh basil

Serving Suggestions

This colorful tortellini dish shines as both a main course or side dish! For a lovely summer dinner, serve it cold alongside grilled chicken or fish.

If you’re hosting a potluck, this pasta salad will be a hit – just bring it chilled in a pretty serving bowl. Want to make it a complete meal? Add some crusty bread and a simple green salad on the side.

Quick Variations

Love to mix things up? Try using spinach tortellini instead of cheese, or swap the black olives for tangy kalamata olives. Not a fan of sunflower seeds? Pine nuts or chopped walnuts work great too! For extra protein, toss in some diced salami or chicken. And if you’re craving more veggies, try adding cucumber chunks, bell peppers, or baby spinach leaves.

Storage Tips

This yummy pasta dish stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better after a day! If it seems a bit dry when you’re ready to serve again, just add a splash more Caesar dressing and give it a good stir. For the freshest taste, save the garnish of basil and extra parmesan until right before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

Planning ahead? Cook the tortellini and prep all the add-ins the day before. Store them separately in the fridge, then toss everything together with the dressing just before serving.

This keeps the pasta from soaking up too much dressing overnight. If you’re taking it to a party, pack the extra parmesan and basil separately to sprinkle on top when you arrive.