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June 13, 2026 · 30 min

Creamy Pesto Cheese Tortelloni with Kale and Parmesan Panko

Dinner30 min695 cal / serving

This cozy cheese tortelloni skillet brings together pesto, milk, garlic, and kale for a creamy pasta dinner with plenty of texture.

The tortelloni cooks right in the sauce, then gets topped with Parmesan panko and briefly broiled until browned, bubbly, and crisp on top.

Ingredients

Cheese Tortelloni18 ounces cheese tortelloniView ingredient guideGarlic4 cloves garlicView ingredient guideKale8 ounces kaleView ingredient guideMilk2 boxes milkView ingredient guideOlive Oil5 teaspoons olive oil, dividedView ingredient guidePanko Breadcrumbs1/2 cup panko breadcrumbsView ingredient guideParmesan Cheese1/2 cup Parmesan cheeseView ingredient guidePPepper, to seasonView ingredient guidePesto4 ounces pestoView ingredient guideSaltSalt, to seasonView ingredient guideVeggie Stock Concentrate2 veggie stock concentratesView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the kale. Set the broiler to high, or heat the oven to 500°F. Thinly slice the garlic. Remove and discard the kale stems and ribs, then thinly slice the leaves.
  2. Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large ovenproof pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, tossing, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the kale and a splash of water to the pan. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the leaves are tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Stir in the milk, veggie stock concentrate, and pesto until combined. Add the cheese tortelloni in an even layer.
  5. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the tortelloni are soft, 5 to 7 minutes.
  6. While the tortelloni simmers, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Sprinkle the Parmesan-panko mixture evenly over the tortelloni.
  8. Transfer the pan to the broiler or hot oven. Broil or bake until the top is browned and the sauce is bubbling, 1 to 2 minutes. Divide among bowls and serve.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Large ovenproof pan

Nordic Ware Prism 21x15 inch Extra Large Baking Pan, XL Capacity, Textured Natural Aluminum For Roasting Baking BroilingNordic Ware Prism 21x15 inch Extra Large Baking Pan, XL Capacity, Textured Natural Aluminum For Roasting Baking BroilingView on AmazonInqibee 14 Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Paella Pan with Lid,Large Skillet,Omelet,Griddle,Induction Cooking Pan,Dishwasher and Oven Safe.Inqibee 14 Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Paella Pan with Lid,Large Skillet,Omelet,Griddle,Induction Cooking Pan,Dishwasher and Oven Safe.View on AmazonGoodCook 15” x 10.5” Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Pan & Raised Wire Rack – Pizza Crisper, Crispy Bacon, Multipurpose Cooking Sheet Pan, Cooling Rack, Kitchen Cookware Set, Dishwasher SafeGoodCook 15” x 10.5” Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Pan & Raised Wire Rack – Pizza Crisper, Crispy Bacon, Multipurpose Cooking Sheet Pan, Cooling Rack, Kitchen Cookware Set, Dishwasher SafeView on Amazon

Small bowl

Kaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchKaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchView on AmazonFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsView on AmazonDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchView on Amazon

Serving bowls

Umite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids Set, 8PCS Stainless Steel Nesting Bowls with Grater Attachments, Non-Slip Bottoms, 5, 4, 3.5, 2, 1.5QT for Mixing & ServingUmite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids Set, 8PCS Stainless Steel Nesting Bowls with Grater Attachments, Non-Slip Bottoms, 5, 4, 3.5, 2, 1.5QT for Mixing & ServingView on AmazonKooK Ceramic Mixing Bowls, Nesting Set of 4, Embossed Kitchen Dishware, Prep, Serving, Gift, Microwave and Dishwasher Safe, 20/44/98/145 oz, Narbonne Collection (Ivory)KooK Ceramic Mixing Bowls, Nesting Set of 4, Embossed Kitchen Dishware, Prep, Serving, Gift, Microwave and Dishwasher Safe, 20/44/98/145 oz, Narbonne Collection (Ivory)View on AmazonMfacoy 2 Pack Salad Bowl, 8 inch 60 oz Large Serving Bowl Set, Deep Bowl for Kitchen, White Ceramic Bowl Set for Soup, Cereal, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Easy CleanMfacoy 2 Pack Salad Bowl, 8 inch 60 oz Large Serving Bowl Set, Deep Bowl for Kitchen, White Ceramic Bowl Set for Soup, Cereal, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Easy CleanView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

Keep a close eye on the pan during the final broil; the panko topping can brown very quickly.

Spread the tortelloni into a single layer so it cooks evenly in the creamy pesto sauce.

Remove the tough kale stems and ribs before slicing so the greens become tender in the pan.

Season both the kale and the breadcrumb topping for the best flavor throughout the dish.

FAQ

Can I bake this instead of broiling it?

Yes. The method allows either broiling on high or baking in a 500°F oven until the topping is browned and the sauce is bubbly.

How do I know when the tortelloni is done?

The tortelloni should be soft, and the pesto sauce should look thickened after simmering for 5 to 7 minutes.

Do I need an ovenproof pan?

Yes, this recipe is finished under the broiler or in a very hot oven, so use a large ovenproof pan.

What makes the topping crispy?

Panko breadcrumbs are mixed with Parmesan and olive oil, then briefly broiled or baked until golden and crisp.