Tortellini with summer veggies started out as a happy accident during a week when my garden was bursting with cherry tomatoes and zucchini and I needed a dinner that came together fast and didn’t heat up the whole kitchen. I remembered I had a pack of cheese tortellini in the fridge and decided to throw everything together with olive oil and herbs—and it turned out so vibrant and flavorful that I’ve made it on repeat ever since.

This tortellini with summer veggies is one of those easy meals that tastes like summer on a plate—it’s fresh and colorful and also hearty thanks to the cheesy pasta that makes it feel like a complete dish. Whether I serve it warm for dinner or chilled the next day as a pasta salad, it always brings smiles to the table and never sticks around long.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Cheese tortellini – The hearty base that brings richness and pairs perfectly with fresh veggies.
Cherry tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, they add color and brightness.
Zucchini – Lightly sautéed, it adds a tender bite and mild flavor.
Yellow squash – Just as soft and summery as zucchini but with a slightly sweeter taste.
Olive oil – Helps everything come together with a silky finish.
Garlic – Adds depth and savory aroma to the veggies.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty richness that melts slightly into the warm pasta.
Fresh parsley – Brightens the dish and adds a herby finish.
Salt and pepper – Balances and enhances every bite.

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot – To boil the tortellini until tender.
Skillet – For sautéing the summer veggies to the perfect texture.
Cutting board and knife – For prepping all those fresh garden ingredients.
Colander – To drain the cooked pasta without losing any.
Mixing spoon – Helps toss everything together evenly.
Grater – For finishing the dish with a sprinkle of parmesan.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by cooking the tortellini according to the package directions, then drain it and set it aside with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking.

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks, I slice the cherry tomatoes in half and chop the zucchini and yellow squash into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3:

In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the zucchini and squash with a pinch of salt until just tender, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 4:

I add minced garlic and halved tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes are just soft and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 5:

I add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss everything together so the pasta is coated in the garlicky oil and mixed with the vegetables.

Step 6:

I finish with a handful of grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, then give everything one last toss.

Step 7:

I serve it warm right from the pan or chill it for later if I want to enjoy it as a refreshing pasta salad.

Tips

If you want to make it extra flavorful, I recommend using roasted garlic or tossing in some sun-dried tomatoes. You can also add grilled chicken or white beans for a boost of protein. And if you’re short on time, store-bought pesto makes a great substitute for olive oil and herbs.

Ways to Serve

Perfect as a light vegetarian dinner or a colorful lunch.

Great chilled as a pasta salad for picnics and potlucks.

Serve with crusty bread and a green salad for a full summer meal.

Try it as a side dish for grilled meats or seafood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make tortellini with summer veggies ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes delicious warm or cold, so it’s great for meal prep or picnics.

What kind of tortellini works best in tortellini with summer veggies?

I prefer cheese tortellini, but any flavor—like spinach or mushroom—will work beautifully.

How can I store leftovers of tortellini with summer veggies?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes great leftovers!

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this tortellini with summer veggies recipe and love how fresh and easy it is! It’s a favorite around here during the warmer months and perfect for when you want something simple yet satisfying. Let me know what veggies you toss in or if you add a fun twist!

Happy Cooking!