Tortellini Primavera Recipe

This bright Tortellini Primavera is made with fresh cheese tortellini, a rainbow of crisp-tender spring vegetables, and a light lemon-garlic sauce. The result is a vibrant, flavorful dish with a perfect balance of textures, from the tender pasta to the savory veggies. It’s a quick, elegant meal, perfect for a fresh spring or summer dinner, and it makes enough to serve 4 people.

Tortellini Primavera Ingredients

• 1 (9-ounce) package fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How To Make Tortellini Primavera

1. Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Sauté the vegetables: While the tortellini is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until it is crisp-tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Finish the veggies: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, frozen peas, and corn kernels to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the vegetables are heated through and the tomatoes have just started to soften.
4. Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the lemon juice and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce that coats the tortellini and vegetables.
5. Serve: Stir in the fresh basil or parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with more Parmesan cheese if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Cook veggies to crisp-tender: Don’t overcook your vegetables! They should still have a little bite to them, which provides a great contrast to the soft tortellini.
• Customize your vegetables: This recipe is very flexible. You can use any combination of your favorite spring or summer vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli florets, or spinach would all work well.
• Emulsify with pasta water: The starchy pasta water is key for creating a light sauce that clings to the pasta and vegetables. It helps the Parmesan and lemon juice combine beautifully.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor that makes the dish feel truly “primavera” (spring). Dried herbs won’t give you the same vibrant result.

What To Serve With Tortellini Primavera

This dish is a light and satisfying meal on its own. For a more complete dinner, you can serve it with a protein on the side, like grilled chicken breast or baked salmon. A basket of crusty bread for sopping up any extra sauce and a crisp glass of white wine would also be perfect pairings.

How To Store Tortellini Primavera Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will soften a bit upon reheating.
• Freeze: It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the vegetables and tortellini will become mushy when thawed.

Tortellini Primavera Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
• Dietary Fiber: 5 g
• Sugars: 4 g
• Protein: 16 g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of tortellini? Yes, you can use any kind of tortellini you like. Spinach or meat tortellini would also be delicious in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions.
• What if I don’t have all the vegetables listed? No problem! The beauty of “primavera” is that it means “spring,” so you can use any combination of seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Feel free to substitute or add other veggies.
• How can I make this dish richer? For a creamier sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or a little softened cream cheese at the end when you add the Parmesan cheese.

Try More Recipes:

• Tortellini Puttanesca Recipe
• Tortellini Skewers Recipe
• Tortilla Breakfast Bake Recipe