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Creamy Pesto Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad Easy Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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A quick and easy creamy pesto cheese tortellini pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for busy days and special occasions. This flavorful pasta salad combines creamy pesto, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese-filled tortellini for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (3-5 minutes for fresh, 5-7 minutes for frozen) until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Let drain completely for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup basil pesto, 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Roughly chop 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes and a handful of fresh basil leaves while the pasta cools.
  4. Add the drained tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold together with a spatula until all tortellini are evenly coated, being careful not to break the tortellini.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the tortellini; it should be al dente to hold up in the salad. Rinse pasta under cold water after draining to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Use good-quality pesto for best flavor. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. If salad thickens after chilling, loosen with a splash of olive oil or water before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto pasta salad, tortellini salad, creamy pasta salad, sun-dried tomatoes, easy pasta salad, cheese tortellini, summer salad

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/creamy-pesto-cheese-tortellini-pasta-salad-easy-recipe-with-sun-dried-tomatoes/