Tortelini Pesto Pasta Salad

back dated August 2nd 2014

I brought this recipe to a picnic in August and had a request to pass it on. So, here it is. 
Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad Ingredients:
1 Package of Buitoni cheese tortellini
1 Package of Buitoni meat tortellini
1 Container of Buitoni original pesto
1/2 cup olive oil
3 TBSP butter
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 TBSP minced garlic (or garlic seasoning)
1/2 cup shaved parmesan (or parmesan shreds)
1 pint of fresh cherry or grape tomatoes

Directions: 1. Boil Pasta According to directions.
2. Heat pesto in a small saucepan. Stir in the olive oil, butter, red pepper flakes, garlic, and additional salt and pepper. Heat through and make sure the pesto is well combined. It is just a little looser than when it came out of the container but you want this so the pasta salad is not too dry.
3. Drain the pasta carefully. Reserve some of the pasta liquid in case you need to thin your sauce more.
4. Add the pasta to a large bowl. Carefully mix in the sauce being careful not to break apart the tortellini. 
5. Add the tomatoes at the end and finish with some fresh cracked pepper. 


~Julianne