If you’re craving a quick, comforting dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors and creamy goodness, you’re going to love this Creamy Pesto Tortellini with Spinach Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something homemade but still easy enough for a weeknight. Plus, the combination of tender cheese tortellini, vibrant spinach, and aromatic pesto smothered in a creamy sauce always hits the spot. Stick around because I’m sharing practical tips that’ll help you nail this dish every single time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Speedy & Easy: In less than 15 minutes, you can have a fresh, flavorful meal without any fuss.
Balanced Flavors: The creamy pesto paired with spinach gives each bite a deliciously rich yet fresh taste.
Versatility: You can swap tortellini types or tweak the greens to match what you have on hand.
Perfect for Leftovers: This dish reheats wonderfully, making it an easy lunch option for the next day.

Creamy Pesto Tortellini with Spinach, easy pesto tortellini, quick weeknight pasta dinner, vegetarian pasta recipes, flavorful cheese tortellini - This image shows a big metal bowl filled with cooked tortellini pasta mixed with bright green spinach leaves. The pasta is light yellow with a soft texture, and some pieces have dark green herb specks on them. The spinach looks fresh and slightly wilted, spread evenly throughout the pasta. There is a black spoon resting inside the bowl, ready to serve. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and simple background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together like old friends — simple but each plays an important role in building up the creamy, herbaceous magic of this dish. Whether you’re shopping the refrigerated section or grabbing fresh greens, knowing why these ingredients work will make cooking this recipe even more satisfying.

Cheese Tortellini: I love using fresh refrigerated tortellini for its tender texture and cheesy filling, but frozen or dried work fine too if you adjust cooking times.
Baby Spinach: It wilts quickly into the pasta water and adds lovely color, nutrition, and a subtle earthy flavor.
Basil Pesto: This ingredient is the star – aromatic basil with garlic, nuts, and cheese packs a huge flavor punch. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
Salt and Pepper: Depending on your pesto brand, you may need just a pinch of extra seasoning, so always taste before adding.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is a game-changer. Its sharp, nutty flavor finishes the dish perfectly and melts right on top.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I adore about this creamy pesto tortellini with spinach recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tailor it to your taste buds or what’s in your kitchen. I encourage you to make it your own – try new tweaks and have fun in the process!

Variation: Sometimes I swap baby spinach for arugula or kale for a slight peppery bite—just add it at the end so it doesn’t overcook.
Protein Boost: Adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp can turn this into a heartier meal if you’re extra hungry.
Dairy-Free Option: Using vegan pesto and a dairy-free cheese alternative keeps it creamy without the dairy.
Nutty Twist: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and flavor complexity.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pesto Tortellini with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Tortellini and Wilt the Spinach

Grab a large stockpot and fill it with water — don’t be shy with the salt here, as it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Bring it to a good rolling boil, then gently add your cheese tortellini. Follow the package for al dente timing—this usually takes around 6 to 7 minutes. When you’re about 30 seconds away from done, toss in the baby spinach and stir gently. You want it to wilt but still keep that vibrant green color. This little trick quickly softens the spinach without making it soggy.

Step 2: Strain and Combine with Pesto

Carefully drain the pasta and spinach in a colander, then return them to your stockpot off the heat. Immediately stir in your basil pesto, coating every single tortellini piece in that fragrant, herby sauce. This step is crucial — stirring on the stove lets the heat gently meld all those flavors without overcooking anything. Don’t forget to give it a quick taste test at this point to check seasoning. Sometimes the pesto is salty enough, so add pepper and a pinch of salt only as needed.

Step 3: Serve Warm with Fresh Parmesan

Portion the creamy pesto tortellini with spinach into warm bowls and grate plenty of fresh parmesan cheese on top. That melting cheese adds an irresistible richness and a touch of sharpness that rounds everything out perfectly. Serve it immediately and watch it disappear!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pesto Tortellini with Spinach Recipe

Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Al dente pasta makes all the difference—check a minute or two before the package suggests to avoid mushiness.
Add Spinach Last: Toss the greens in towards the end of cooking so they stay vibrant and don’t turn slimy.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate it yourself for the best melting quality and richer flavor than pre-grated options.
Pesto Measurement Matters: Start with ¾ cup but adjust based on your pesto’s saltiness and your desired creaminess.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Tortellini with Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with a sprinkle of extra parmesan, plus a little cracked black pepper and sometimes a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Fresh basil leaves are another gorgeous touch if you want to get fancy!

Side Dishes

Because this dish is so rich and satisfying on its own, I usually keep sides light—like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted cherry tomatoes. Garlic bread also pairs beautifully if you’re in the mood for something heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this creamy pesto tortellini in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of edible flowers for a bright, elegant finish. It makes the meal feel so festive without added complexity in the kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. The creamy pesto tortellini stays tasty and fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners in a pinch.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple times by popping cooled portions into freezer-safe containers. While the texture softens slightly after thawing, it still reheats nicely for an easy meal, especially if you plan to add some fresh spinach or garnish when serving to brighten it back up.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftover creamy pesto tortellini gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works fine too—just cover it to keep things moist and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this Creamy Pesto Tortellini with Spinach Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as it will usually take a little longer than refrigerated pasta. Add spinach in the last 30 seconds, just as you would with fresh pasta, for best results.
What type of pesto is best to use?

Traditional basil pesto is the classic choice here, but feel free to use sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto if you want a twist. Just be mindful of salt levels in store-bought pesto and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap out the cheese tortellini for a vegan version and use vegan pesto and dairy-free parmesan alternatives. The creamy texture might be a little different, but it’s still delicious.
How can I make the sauce creamier?

If you want extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream, half-and-half, or even some cream cheese at the end with the pesto. Just heat gently so it blends smoothly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Tortellini with Spinach Recipe has been one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s just so effortlessly tasty and quick to pull together. I hope you give it a try soon—you might find it becomes a regular in your rotation like it did for me. Remember, fresh ingredients and tasting as you go are the secrets to making it shine. Grab your pot, put on some music, and enjoy crafting this dish. You’ve got this!