Print

Creamy Pesto Tortellini Recipe with Crispy Prosciutto and Spinach Made Easy

creamy pesto tortellini - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring cheese tortellini in a creamy basil pesto sauce, topped with crispy prosciutto and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe balances rich creaminess with fresh greens and a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 oz fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 4–5 slices thinly sliced prosciutto
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts of water). Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions (3-5 minutes for fresh, 6-8 minutes for frozen) until tender but slightly firm. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and lay prosciutto slices flat without overlapping. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and browned. Remove and drain on paper towels, then break into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
  3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  4. Add fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook 1-2 minutes until wilted and bright green.
  5. Reduce heat to low, stir in basil pesto and heavy cream. Warm through, adding reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  6. Add cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle crispy prosciutto over the top, and toss gently.
  8. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Crisp prosciutto separately to maintain crunch. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid burning garlic by sautéing briefly. For extra creaminess, stir in ricotta cheese at the end. Store prosciutto separately when reheating to keep it crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto tortellini, crispy prosciutto, spinach pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, basil pesto pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-pesto-tortellini-recipe-with-crispy-prosciutto-and-spinach-made-easy/