Name: Quick and Easy Tortellini Pesto Cream with Kale
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 9 ounces cheese tortellini; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 clove garlic; 2 cups kale; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 0.5 cup basil pesto; 0.25 cup reserved pasta water; 0.25 cup Parmesan; salt & pepper

Quick and Easy Tortellini Pesto Cream with Kale

Quick and Easy Tortellini Pesto Cream with Kale cover

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Quick and Easy Tortellini Pesto Cream with Kale

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Ingredients

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Instructions

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Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually ~3–5 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest of the water and set pasta and reserved 1/4 cup of water aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.

Lower the heat, add heavy cream, pesto and pasta water to the skillet. Stir until combined and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).

Add the cooked tortellini and Parmesan to the skillet. Toss gently until coated in the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Plate and top with extra Parmesan, lemon zest (optional) or toasted pine nuts for added flavor and crunch.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Reserve Pasta Water First 💧
Before draining your tortellini, reserve at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water—this is essential for adjusting the sauce consistency and helps it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Bloom Garlic in Oil 🧄
Toast minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes before adding pesto to mellow its sharpness and create a fragrant flavor base that's less harsh.
Massage Your Kale 🥬
Massage raw kale with a bit of olive oil and salt 5 minutes before cooking to break down its fibrous texture, making it more tender and easier to incorporate into the creamy sauce.
Add Pesto After Heat Reduction 🌿
Stir in your pesto after removing the pan from high heat and reducing to low, as high temperatures can destroy basil's delicate flavors and turn the sauce bitter.
Finish with Fresh Parmesan 🧀
Grate high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano directly over individual servings right before eating rather than mixing it into the hot pan—this preserves its complex flavor and prevents clumping.