Easy Pesto Tortellini Skewers are a quick appetizer that is perfect for entertaining or the holidays! Made in minutes with only 4 simple ingredients, don’t miss this easy and crowd-pleasing Italian appetizer.
Entertaining doesn’t get easier than these Pesto Tortellini Skewers. Elegant and fun, guests will love the portability and ease of eating this simple appetizer. Great to have on hand as a vegetarian appetizer as well!
If you love simple appetizers, be sure to try these Italian Deviled Eggs or Zucchini Ricotta Fritters. For a make ahead delicious appetizer, don’t miss these Italian Antipasto Pinwheels or Caramelized Onion Dip.
You’ll Love Pesto Tortellini Skewers!
I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love these simple and delicious Pesto Tortellini Skewers. They are an easy and quick dish that’s sure to be your new favorite party appetizer.
Combining the richness of pesto sauce, the heartiness of cheese-filled tortellini, and the freshness of cherry tomatoes, these skewers are a guaranteed hit at any gathering or party.
These Italian tortellini skewers are the ideal appetizer for baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, birthdays, holidays, and Christmas Eve dinner. Yummy and fast, they are a great addition to a meat and cheese tray as well.
The best part is that this is a great last minute appetizer. It comes together fast and is made with only four ingredients. Plus, it’s a great addition to any charcuterie board.
You can also customize the skewers and add on other flavors like slices of salami, sun dried tomatoes, Italian dressing, or fresh basil leaves. Sometimes I like to top the tomatoes and mozzarella with a balsamic reduction sauce for a pop of flavor.
So, if you are looking for a crowd pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make, be sure to give these Pesto Tortellini Skewers a try. You’re going to love them!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Tortellini: I recommend using cheese tortellini for these pesto tortellini skewers. It pairs well with the other flavors including the pesto. Also, be sure to use the fresh tortellini found in the dairy section, rather than the dried tortellini.
- Cherry Tomatoes: you will need to use cherry or grape tomatoes here. Slices of tomatoes just won’t work on the skewers.
- Mozzarella: I recommend using small mozzarella balls. However, I have made this with cubes of provolone cheese and it turned out just as delicious.
- Pesto: to keep things extra simple, use your favorite brand of store-bought pesto sauce. (I love the Kirkland brand pesto from Costco).
- Bamboo Skewer: I like to use short bamboo skewers but you could use toothpicks, antipasto skewers, small skewers, or whatever you can find at the grocery store.
How to Make Pesto Tortellini Skewers
These skewers come together quick and are great to make ahead. You can use whatever skewers or toothpicks you have on hand. I like these Bamboo Cocktail Picks Skewer with Knotted Ends from Amazon.
To make the Pesto Tortellini Skewers, start by boiling the tortellini. Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the tortellini until it is al dente, according to package instructions.
Rinse the tortellini under cold water to speed up the cooling process. Let dry before using. Once the tortellini is done, the rest of the assembly is a breeze.
Start by threading a cooked tortellini onto the skewer. Then, add on the cherry tomato and cheese. You can drizzle the tomato with balsamic vinegar if you’d like.
I like to top the tortellini with a dollop of pesto sauce. However, you can always just toss the pesto with the tortellini ahead of time instead.
Recipe Tips and FAQs
- Tortellini: cheese tortellini works best for this pesto tortellini skewers. Be sure you are using the fresh tortellini from the dairy section, rather than the smaller dried tortellini.
- Cheese: small fresh mozzarella cheese balls work great here, but you can always substitute other cubed cheese such as provolone.
- Variations: this is a great appetizer to add other ingredients to such as salami, olives, or fresh basil leaves.
- Pesto: use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto here. Have extra on the side for dipping.
- Make ahead: you can make these skewers a couple hours ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
For a simple Italian-inspired appetizer, skewer tortellini, cherry tomato, and a mozzarella ball and drizzle with pesto.
If you have a lot of leftover pesto, you can easily freeze individual portions and then toss with hot pasta for a quick and simple meal.
More Tortellini Recipes
Pesto Tortellini Skewers
Equipment
- 20-30 small skewers or toothpicks
Ingredients
- ½ pound cheese tortellini
- ½ cup pesto (store bought or homemade)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces mozzarella balls
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add tortellini. Cook according to package directions until al dente, about 5 minutes, and drain. Rinse with cool water and set aside to dry before using.
- On a small bamboo skewer, add one each cooled tortellini, cherry tomato, and mozzarella ball. Set on serving tray and spoon pesto on the tortellini. Serve with extra pesto on the side if desired.
Notes
- Tortellini: cheese tortellini works best for this recipe. Be sure you are using the fresh tortellini from the dairy section, rather than the smaller dried tortellini.
- Cheese: small fresh mozzarella cheese balls work great here, but you can always substitute other cubed cheese such as provolone.
- Variations: this is a great appetizer to add other ingredients to such as salami, olives, or fresh basil leaves.
- Pesto: use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto here. Have extra on the side for dipping.
- Make ahead: you can make these skewers a couple hours ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
