The vibrant colors and flavors of this Pesto Tortellini with Vegetables make it a standout dish for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend dinners. With tender cheese-filled tortellini, fresh sautéed vegetables, and herby pesto, every bite is rich with Italian-inspired comfort. You’ll love how fast this dish comes together—just 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients from the zucchini, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Whether you’re serving picky kids or hosting veggie-loving friends, this recipe delivers on both taste and ease.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (19-ounce) bag frozen cheese tortellini
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 zucchini, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 cup prepared pesto
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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While the tortellini cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add zucchini, bell pepper, and grape tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
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Reduce heat to low and stir in the cooked tortellini.
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Add pesto and gently toss everything together until the tortellini and vegetables are well coated.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Comforting Classic with a Fresh Twist
Pesto Tortellini with Vegetables is a vibrant, feel-good dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors in one easy, family-friendly recipe. It’s a meal that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment. The cheese-filled tortellini offers rich comfort food vibes, while the colorful sautéed vegetables provide freshness, crunch, and vital nutrients. This recipe is inspired by the classic Italian tradition of using seasonal vegetables and pairing them with pasta for a wholesome, satisfying meal. By incorporating pesto — a sauce that originated in Genoa, Italy — you infuse the dish with layers of herby brightness from basil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts or other alternatives. The result is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
1. Quick and Easy
With only 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, this recipe is perfect for weeknights when time is limited but you still want a satisfying, home-cooked meal. You don’t need to roast vegetables in the oven or use multiple pans. Everything comes together quickly in one skillet — which also means less clean-up!
2. Family-Friendly
Even picky eaters will love this dish. The cheesy tortellini is always a hit with kids, and the mild pesto flavor blends perfectly with sweet sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and juicy grape tomatoes. It’s a wonderful way to sneak more vegetables into meals without resistance.
3. Customizable and Flexible
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or what’s in your fridge:
- Swap in spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus.
- Use refrigerated or shelf-stable tortellini instead of frozen.
- Try different pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato, kale, or walnut pesto for new flavor profiles.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
This flexibility means you can revisit this recipe repeatedly without it ever feeling boring.
4. Nutrient-Rich
While it tastes indulgent, this meal is packed with nutrition. Zucchini and bell peppers are high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A and C. Tomatoes provide lycopene, which supports heart health. Basil-based pesto contains healthy fats and anti-inflammatory compounds. Paired with protein-rich cheese tortellini, this meal is both hearty and nourishing.
5. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Pesto Tortellini with Vegetables stores and reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. The flavors even deepen after sitting in the fridge overnight. Pack it in lunchboxes, reheat it for a quick dinner, or enjoy it cold as a pasta salad alternative.
A Modern Spin on Classic Italian Comfort
This dish is a great representation of modern cooking — it honors traditional Italian flavors while meeting the demands of today’s busy lifestyle. You don’t need to make fresh pesto from scratch (although you can if you want), and using frozen tortellini cuts down significantly on prep time. Yet the dish doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality. It’s also naturally vegetarian, making it suitable for meatless Mondays or accommodating dietary needs without sacrificing satisfaction. You’ll find that the balance of cheese, herbs, and vegetables makes every bite crave-worthy.
Seasonal and Sustainable
One of the great things about this recipe is its seasonality. You can swap in whatever vegetables are fresh and in season:
- Spring: Asparagus, peas, baby spinach
- Summer: Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, corn
- Fall: Mushrooms, kale, butternut squash
- Winter: Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, frozen spinach
Eating seasonally supports local farmers, reduces your carbon footprint, and results in better-tasting food — all important aspects for mindful home cooks.
Ideal for Hosting or Potlucks
This recipe also shines as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings. The colors pop on a platter, and it looks impressive with minimal effort. Double or triple the recipe and serve it warm or at room temperature — it’s equally delicious either way. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Budget-Friendly and Pantry-Ready
Many of the ingredients are pantry staples: dried seasonings, olive oil, jarred pesto, and frozen tortellini. That makes this dish affordable and accessible — perfect for households trying to cook on a budget without sacrificing flavor or variety. You can feed a family of four a wholesome, exciting meal for less than a restaurant takeout order.
Conclusion
This Pesto Tortellini with Vegetables is the kind of recipe that becomes a regular part of your rotation. It’s cozy yet refreshing, quick yet flavorful, and comforting without being heavy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this dish delivers everything you want in a satisfying, nourishing, and beautiful meal. At a time when home cooking needs to be fast, nutritious, and comforting, this Pesto Tortellini with Vegetables hits all the marks. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight. Its creamy, herby goodness and colorful presentation make it a crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re a beginner cook looking for a foolproof recipe or a seasoned foodie searching for something quick and satisfying, this dish deserves a spot in your go-to meal collection.