This dish offers a beautiful contrast of colors and textures: the soft, pillowy tortellini enveloped in a bright green, creamy broccoli pesto that is both fresh and comforting. The toasted pine nuts add a subtle crunch, while the Parmesan provides a salty depth that rounds out every bite.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe brings the garden to your plate in the most delicious way. It’s an approachable, crowd-pleasing meal that pairs well with a crisp white wine or a simple mixed greens salad, celebrating the best of simple Italian flavors.
Full Recipe:
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250g fresh cheese tortellini
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200g broccoli florets
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40g fresh basil leaves
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30g pine nuts, toasted
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1 garlic clove
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60ml olive oil
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40g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Juice of ½ lemon
Directions:
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Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little cooking water.
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Meanwhile, steam or boil the broccoli florets until tender but still vibrant green, about 4-5 minutes. Drain well.
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In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked broccoli, basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Toss the drained tortellini in the broccoli pesto sauce until evenly coated. Warm gently over low heat if needed.
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Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan on top and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 2-3 servings
The Charm of Tortellini with Broccoli Pesto
Tortellini with broccoli pesto is a delightful dish that perfectly balances rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. This meal captures the essence of Italian comfort food with a fresh, green twist. At its core, the dish pairs tender, cheese-filled tortellini with a vibrant, homemade pesto sauce made from broccoli, basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. This combination creates a creamy, herbaceous sauce that envelops each pasta piece, offering a unique yet familiar taste experience.
Broccoli pesto is a fantastic alternative to the traditional basil pesto, offering added nutritional benefits and a deeper, earthy flavor. The broccoli provides a beautiful green color and a slight bite, while the pine nuts and Parmesan lend richness and texture. The lemon juice brightens the sauce, cutting through the creaminess and ensuring the dish remains fresh and lively on the palate.
Nutritional Benefits and Health Appeal
One of the standout qualities of this recipe is its nutritional profile. Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable loaded with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports immune health, bone strength, and digestive wellness. When combined with basil, which has anti-inflammatory properties and a fragrant herbal aroma, the dish becomes both nourishing and delicious.
The pine nuts used in the pesto contribute heart-healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium, adding a mild buttery note that balances the sharpness of the Parmesan. Olive oil, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, is another key ingredient that provides monounsaturated fats known for their cardiovascular benefits.
Cheese-filled tortellini adds protein and calcium to the dish, making it satisfying and ideal for vegetarians. Though indulgent, the meal can be a wholesome choice if prepared with fresh ingredients and portioned wisely. The natural flavors shine through without the need for heavy creams or excessive butter, keeping the dish lighter than many traditional creamy pasta recipes.
Versatility and Customization
This tortellini with broccoli pesto recipe is wonderfully versatile, catering to various dietary preferences and ingredient availability. For those looking to reduce calories or avoid dairy, it’s easy to substitute the cheese tortellini with a vegan version and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative. Additionally, you can experiment with different nuts in the pesto—walnuts or almonds offer interesting flavor variations.
The pasta itself can be substituted with other filled pasta types such as ravioli or even simple shapes like penne or fusilli if you want a slightly different texture. Adding extras like cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or grilled chicken can enhance the dish’s complexity and turn it into a heartier meal. A sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of black pepper will add a subtle heat for those who prefer a bit of spice.
Simplicity and Quick Preparation
One of the biggest appeals of this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests. The pesto comes together in minutes thanks to the food processor or blender, while the tortellini cooks swiftly in boiling water. The steaming or boiling of broccoli only takes a few minutes, preserving its bright color and nutrients.
This simplicity doesn’t sacrifice flavor; the fresh ingredients and homemade sauce provide a level of sophistication often absent in quicker meals. It’s a fantastic way to introduce more green vegetables into your diet without overwhelming your palate with heavy or bland preparations.
The Aesthetic and Presentation
Visually, the dish is stunning—vivid green pesto coats the pale cheese tortellini, making it pop on the plate. Garnishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan, some toasted pine nuts, or a few fresh basil leaves enhances both the texture and the look, turning an everyday meal into a feast for the eyes. It’s an inviting dish to serve at dinner parties, casual family meals, or even for a cozy date night at home.
Pairing this pasta with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, elevates the dining experience by complementing the herbal and citrusy notes of the pesto. A side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette will also balance the richness of the pasta, making the entire meal refreshing and well-rounded.
Cultural and Culinary Roots
Pesto originates from the Liguria region of Italy and traditionally features basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. This broccoli variation is a creative twist that respects the original’s heritage while incorporating more vegetables and adapting to modern tastes and nutritional needs. It’s an example of how classic Italian cooking continues to evolve, blending tradition with innovation.
The use of tortellini, a stuffed pasta, is a nod to Northern Italian culinary tradition, especially Emilia-Romagna, where tortellini filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables are a beloved staple. Combining tortellini with pesto showcases the harmony between pasta shapes and sauces, emphasizing texture, flavor, and balance.
Conclusion
Tortellini with broccoli pesto is a perfect marriage of taste, health, and simplicity. It offers a fresh take on classic Italian flavors while being approachable enough for cooks of any skill level. Its vibrant color and creamy texture make it an appealing dish for both the eyes and the palate.
Whether you’re looking for a quick meal to brighten your week or a dish to impress friends with minimal effort, this recipe delivers. It embodies the best qualities of Italian cuisine—fresh ingredients, straightforward techniques, and bold flavors—while allowing room for personal twists and dietary adaptations. Embracing this dish can open the door to more creative cooking adventures that celebrate seasonal vegetables and homemade sauces.
Add this recipe to your repertoire, and you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again, savoring the blend of comforting pasta and vibrant green pesto, a truly delicious way to enjoy a balanced, satisfying meal.
