Spinach Pesto Tortellini with Parmesan Crumbs is a vibrant and comforting Italian-inspired dish that perfectly balances creamy, nutty, and herby flavors. This recipe features cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a luscious spinach pesto sauce and topped with crispy, golden Parmesan breadcrumbs for the ultimate crunch.

Every forkful bursts with freshness and richness — a true celebration of Italian simplicity and elegance. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this recipe is comforting yet sophisticated, easy yet indulgent.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines my favorite Italian comfort food — tortellini — with the bright, aromatic flavors of spinach pesto.

The pesto adds a creamy, earthy, and slightly garlicky touch that clings to the pasta perfectly, while the Parmesan crumbs introduce a beautiful crunch that takes the dish to another level.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s the ultimate example of how simple ingredients can create gourmet-level results.

The tortellini’s cheesy filling melts beautifully with the pesto’s velvety texture, and the Parmesan crumbs add the perfect finishing touch.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Course: Main Course / Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Spinach Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tortellini:

• 1 lb (450 g) cheese or spinach-filled tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Parmesan Crumbs:

• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

For Garnish:

• Extra grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or spinach leaves

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Tortellini:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 3–5 minutes for fresh tortellini) until al dente.
   • Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Make the Spinach Pesto:
   • In a food processor or blender, combine spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic.
   • Pulse until finely chopped.
   • With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth and creamy.
   • Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Prepare the Parmesan Crumbs:
   • In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring often, until golden brown and crisp (about 3–4 minutes).
   • Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
4. Combine Tortellini and Pesto:
   • In a large pan, gently heat the spinach pesto over low heat.
   • Add the cooked tortellini and toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
5. Serve:
   • Divide the pesto-coated tortellini among serving plates.
   • Sprinkle generously with Parmesan crumbs and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan.

How to Serve

Serve Spinach Pesto Tortellini with Parmesan Crumbs warm as a main course for lunch or dinner. It pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

For a more filling meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or seared shrimp.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh tortellini: It cooks faster and has a better texture than dried.
• Toast the nuts: Lightly toasting pine nuts or walnuts before blending enhances their flavor.
• Adjust consistency: If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon of pasta water or olive oil at a time.
• Don’t overcook the tortellini: Overboiling makes them soggy and causes filling leakage.
• For extra flavor: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of truffle oil before serving.

Variations

1. Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a heartier meal.
2. Nut-Free Pesto: Replace pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for an allergy-friendly version.
3. Vegan Version: Use vegan tortellini and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
4. Creamy Pesto Sauce: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer, velvety sauce.
5. Roasted Veggie Add-In: Toss in roasted cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended for assembled pasta (it can become mushy). However, you can freeze pesto separately for up to 2 months in an airtight container or ice cube trays.

Special Equipment Needed

• Food processor or blender (for pesto)
• Large pot (for cooking tortellini)
• Skillet (for toasting breadcrumbs)
• Mixing bowl and spoon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto saves time, though homemade spinach pesto offers a fresher flavor and vibrant green color.

Q2: Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just cook it a few minutes longer than fresh tortellini, following package instructions.

Q3: What can I use instead of pine nuts?
Walnuts, almonds, or cashews are great substitutes that still deliver a nutty flavor.

Q4: How do I keep the pesto green and fresh-looking?
Add lemon juice and blend just until combined. Avoid over-blending, as heat can dull the color.

Q5: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Make the pesto and breadcrumbs ahead of time. Assemble the pasta just before serving for best results.

Conclusion

Spinach Pesto Tortellini with Parmesan Crumbs is an exquisite blend of comfort and freshness — the kind of dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. The creamy, garlicky pesto wraps around each tortellini, while the Parmesan crumbs add a buttery crunch that makes the meal unforgettable.

It’s wholesome, colorful, and bursting with flavor — a celebration of Italian cuisine at its best. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy solo dinner or serve it at a gathering, this dish promises to delight every bite.