- Cheese Tortellini: Organic, Fresh, Pasta-Shaped Italian Dumplings
- Walnuts: Crispy, Pecan-Sized Pieces
- Parsley: Fresh, Bright Green Leaves
- Garlic Cloves: Peeled and Minced
- Pine Nuts (Pignoli): Toasted, Fragrant Kernels
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated, Aged for Rich Flavor
- Pecorino Romano: Shredded, Traditional Italian Cheese
- Olive Oil: Premium Quality, Extra Virgin
- Salt: Kosher or Sea Salt, For Seasoning
- Black Pepper: Freshly Ground, To Taste
- Lemon Zest: Finely Grated Rind for Freshness
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Steps
### Cheese Tortellini with Walnut Parsley Pesto Recipe
#### Introduction
Cheese tortellini paired with a rich walnut parsley pesto makes for an elegant yet comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe is both easy to follow and packed with flavor, making it suitable for home cooks of all levels. By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends.
#### Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh parsley leaves
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
#### Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Walnut Parsley Pesto**
1. **Toast Walnuts**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for about 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool.
2. **Blend Ingredients**: In a food processor, combine toasted walnuts, parsley leaves, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
**Step 2: Cook Tortellini**
1. **Boil Water**: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
2. **Cook Tortellini**: Add cheese tortellini to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 3-5 minutes). Drain the tortellini, reserving some pasta water if needed.
**Step 3: Combine Pesto with Tortellini**
1. **Mash Tortellini**: In a large serving bowl, gently mash the cooked tortellini to break it apart.
2. **Add Pesto**: Pour the walnut parsley pesto over the mashed tortellini and mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
3. **Adjust Consistency**: If the mixture is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
**Step 4: Serve**
1. **Garnish**: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish for an extra burst of flavor.
2. **Serve Hot**: Transfer the cheese tortellini with walnut parsley pesto to a serving platter and serve immediately while it’s hot.
#### Tips
- Ensure that your walnuts are toasted properly as this adds a nutty aroma and taste to the pesto.
- You can customize the pesto by adding other herbs like basil or using different types of cheese if you prefer.
- For a richer flavor, let the pasta sit in the pesto for a few minutes before serving.
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Enjoy your delicious cheese tortellini with walnut parsley pesto! This recipe is not only satisfying but also visually appealing, making it a great addition to any meal.