Tortellini Salad

Dawn's Note:

This is a wonderful dish for a potluck or a picnic. The combination of tortellini, cheese, and vegetables is delicious and is a one of a kind taste.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 lb tortellini cheese pasta (may be 1/2 cheese and 1/2 meat filled)
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas
• 1 sweet red pepper , chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion , chopped
• 3 garlic cloves , minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 -8 drops red hot sauce
• ¼ teaspoon basil

Directions:

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions.
2. Stir in peas and red pepper during last 2 minutes of cooking.
3. Drain and place in a large bowl.
4. Heat oil in a pan and cook onion until soft, add garlic, and paprika.
5. Scrape into a blender, add ricotta, tomato paste, Parmesan, salt, basil, and red hot pepper sauce.
6. Blend until smooth.
7. Stir blended mixture into pasta and pea mix.
8. Serve warm or chilled.