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Chilli Pesto Tortellini

A delicious spicy, saucy, creamy pasta dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chilli Pesto:

  • 2 red peppers roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp almonds
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1-2 red chili’s or 2-3 tbsp red chili flakes
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 pecorino cheese grated

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • fresh grated parmesan for garnish
  • 1 tbsp parsley dried or fresh for garnish
  • 1 10 oz pack cheese tortellini

Instructions

Chilli Pesto:

  • Add red peppers, garlic, almonds, tomato paste, and red chilli to a food processor and blend for 30-40 seconds till you get a paste.
  • Slowly add olive oil and cheese while blending and go for another 10-20 seconds until you achieve the right consistency and set aside.

Chilli Pesto Pasta:

  • Boil tortellini for 1 minute less than package instructions
  • In a heavy bottom pan on medium heat, add olive oil and butter and let melt together
  • Add in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add in 3-4 heaping tbsp of the chili pesto and mix until the raw smell of garlic goes away
  • At this point you should see the mixture sizzling. Go ahead and add in the heavy cream and stir until you get a light orange creamy mixture
  • Grate some fresh parmesan into the sauce and stir until it melts in, then add in your cooked tortellini and coat the pasta evenly with sauce
  • Top with some fresh or dried parsley and a little more shredded parmesan and serve hot!

Notes

  • Fresh grated parmesan really adds the saltiness the sauce needs so adjust your salt accordingly
  • Serve with a side of garlic bread