So, I realize the majority of you know what I eat for dinner on a daily basis.
For those of you that don’t and want to know? Follow me on Instagram.
Today I wanted to share one of my favorite easy main dishes. This is one I turn to often when I want to minimize time spent and maximize nutrition!
I actually can’t take credit for this dinner. I read about it a while back in a summer issue of Runner’s World but it’s quickly become a favorite in our house. Especially when we want to go meatless!
My favorite part about it is how versatile it is. While we normally stick to adding asparagus and mushrooms – you could add any number of different veggies and it would go great. Broccoli, tomatoes, spinach…the list goes on and on. It’s a great way to get whole grains, dairy, healthy fats and veggies all in one meal.
Whole Grain Tortellini with Homemade Pesto
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 1 package of whole grain cheese tortellini (I used Butoni)
For the Pesto (source):
- 2/3 cup pine nuts
- 20 large, fresh basil leaves
- 2/3 cup parsley
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 4 whole, peeled garlic cloves
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare cheese tortellini according to the package instructions.
- Combine pesto ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth.
- Add prepared pesto onto the prepared tortellini and gently mix until well combined
Addition suggestions: Parmesan cheese, sauteed vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, toasted nuts…the sky’s the limit!
3
natalie @ will jog for food says
I LOVE Pesto! I need to eat it more often 🙂
Cait says
It’s SO good, right!? I definitely don’t use it enough myself!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
This looks so tasty!! I would have trouble keeping myself from eating the entire pot, though! lol
Cait says
Haha – tell me about it! That’s why I don’t make more than 2 servings at a time so that by the time we both have ours, there’s none left! 🙂
Lauren says
Mmmm, I adore homemade pesto sauce! And tortellini. Any stuffed pasta is a winner in my book.
Cait says
I completely agree – it definitely takes a pasta dish to the next level 🙂
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
YUM! I love pesto because it really is SO easy. And I don’t know why I always forget about sundried tomatoes, I absolutely love the flavor – especially with pesto!
Cait says
I know – I always forget about it too! I have no idea why because it’s one of the best things ever! And agreed – I need to try this with sun-dried tomatoes because that would be the best flavor combination I bet!
MigraineMe says
Looks delicious!
Cait says
Thanks! 🙂 It definitely was!
Life's a Bowl says
Delic! I’ve never made homemade pesto but it doesn’t seem too hard! As my husband would say “pesto is the besto!” 😛 The addition of parm + sun dried tomatoes + mushrooms + broccoli [and maybe peas?] all sound wonderful!!!
Cait says
It’s SUPER easy and it’s so worth it to make it on your own because you can really control the flavors you add! And I love the peas addition idea! Or even edamame!!
Katie says
Perfect! I may make this for Meeker tonight! (He begged)
Cait says
Ahaha, I love that. It’s super easy so it would be a good one to do 🙂
Though, for Meeker you might want to throw like a slab of steak or something in there for him to be 100% happy 😉
Cara @ I Don't Believe in Diets says
Wow that makes my mouth water just look at it! Will definitely be trying this out.
Cait says
Yay! Let me know what you think if you do! 🙂
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
I tried making homemade pesto and it didn’t work out as planned. I’m going to try your recipe. It looks delicious 🙂
Cait says
Let me know what you think! While I can’t take credit for it, I do think it’s a good one! 🙂