Cheese Tortellini with Nutty Herb Sauce

Creamy, nutty, and irresistibly herby, this Cheese Tortellini with Nutty Herb Sauce is a dinner dream come true. Tender cheese-filled tortellini is enveloped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce enriched with fragrant fresh basil and parsley. The richness is perfectly balanced by the toasty crunch of walnuts and a hint of zesty lemon, adding layers of flavor to every bite. This 30-minute recipe is simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining, making it a go-to for pasta lovers. Serve it topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. This dish is your next comfort food favorite—ideal for busy cooks who crave gourmet flair!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 oz Cheese tortellini
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 cup Walnuts
• 2 large Garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup Fresh parsley
• 0.5 cup Fresh basil
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Lemon zest
• 1 large pot Water for boiling
• 0.25 tsp Optional: red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.

Step 2

While the water heats, prepare the nutty herb sauce. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter melts.

Step 3

Add the walnuts to the skillet and toast them for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until they are fragrant and slightly golden. Remove half of the toasted walnuts and set aside for garnish.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 5

Add the chopped parsley and basil to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the herbs are wilted.

Step 6

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. If you like a bit of spice, add the optional red pepper flakes.

Step 7

By now, the water should be boiling. Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions (typically 3-5 minutes). Drain the tortellini and reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 8

Add the cooked tortellini directly to the skillet with the nutty herb sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved toasted walnuts and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3867.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3110.3

Total Fat 231.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 60.9g
Cholesterol 429.1mg	0%
Sodium 2638.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 187.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.8g	0%
Total Sugars 6.8g
Protein 83.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1146.5mg	0%
Iron 9.5mg	0%
Potassium 959.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.8%

Protein: 10.6%

Carbs: 23.7%