Tortellini is a winner when it comes to easy weeknight meals because it’s quick to prepare and lends itself to so many different dishes.
You can toss it with red sauce or pesto, or use the tiny dumplings to bulk up a savory broth. For heartier appetites, you can bake the pasta in a casserole dish in a creamy cheese sauce topped with breadcrumbs for an Italian take on mac ‘n’ cheese.
Tortellini also works wonderfully in a warm or cold salad because the tiny pillows filled with meat, cheese or greens like spinach go nicely with crisp, seasonal vegetables and creamy or tangy dressings.
Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive if you buy bagged, dried tortellini instead of the fresh pasta you find in the refrigerated section.
This meal tosses bagged tortellini with bite-size pieces of asparagus and juicy cherry tomatoes in an entree salad with a lemony, Parmesan-heavy dressing that literally takes seconds to whisk together.