Tortellini Appetizer

Name: Tortellini Appetizer
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: about 2 dozen (1-1/2 cups dip).
Ingredients: 4 garlic cloves, peeled; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated spinach tortellini; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup prepared pesto; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1 pint grape tomatoes; 26 frilled toothpicks

From Royal Oak, Michigan, Cheryl Lama confirms, "The festive green and red of this appetizer will make it a welcomed addition to your holiday buffet table. Store-bought pesto keeps the preparation fast. Sometimes I like to heat the garlic in a skillet and use skewers for a different look."

Ingredients

4 garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated spinach tortellini
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 pint grape tomatoes
26 frilled toothpicks

Directions

Place garlic cloves on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil; drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Wrap foil around garlic. Bake at 425° for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Cool for 10-15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Toss with remaining oil; set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cheese, milk, pesto and pepper. Mash garlic into pesto mixture; stir until combined.
Alternately thread tortellini and tomatoes onto toothpicks. Serve with pesto dip. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

2 each: 246 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.

Originally published as Tortellini Skewers with Pesto Dip in Quick Cooking November/December 2005

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Janet

Dec 24, 2017

I have been making this for years now and never reviewed so thought I should. When I make the dip I do it the easiest way possible using Spice World minced garlic which is already prepared. This way no baking garlic, just take it out of jar (two teaspoons equals 4 cloves) and add to other ingredients. Saves time.Also we make the skewers/toothpicks with tortellini, mozzarella small balls, and the grape tomatoes. You can leave off tomatoes or mozzarella on every other one to have a variety.My family and friends love this!
MGDG28

Jan 11, 2015

Every time I make this, people rave about the dip. It's the perfect simple recipe for any occasion, especially "all appetizer parties" because it provides a little more substance than a lot of other apps. Highly recommend. If I can do it, you can do it!
DesertBorn54

Feb 11, 2012

I couldn't find long toothpicks, so I used bamboo skewers and added a tiny fresh mozzarella ball, an olive, and a marinated artichoke heart quarter. I used a tortellini at the top and bottom of the skewer. I placed the tall skewers in a vase, and it looked like a floral arrangement. The dip is fabulous. I made too much, so I put the leftovers in a bowl, added a dollop of the dressing and tossed, for a great pasta salad.
Carol39110

Nov 1, 2011

This was a hit at a recent party. I like it with a little extra pesto.
barbaratweedy2

Jun 1, 2011

So yummy, yet light. I've made and taken to several gatherings and it's gone quickly every time! The dipping sauce is the best part. :)
raveangelx79

Feb 27, 2011

So unique and fun. Delicious!
GoodEats69

Jan 4, 2010

The dip is sensational. I made it for two Christmas parties and several guests have asked for the recipe. I made an alteration to the skewer: I added small squares of Asiago cheese in between the tortellini and grape tomato to make the flavor a little more intense. This is an easy recipe that will impress your guests!