Roasted Red Pepper-Caesar Tortelloni

Ingredients

• 2 (8-ounce) packages dried ricotta-and-asparagus tortelloni*
• 1 1/2 cups bottled creamy Caesar dressing
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup jarred roasted red bell peppers, cut into thin strips
• 3/4 cup Caesar-style croutons

Preparation

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Stir together dressing and next 4 ingredients in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50% power) 1 minute and 20 seconds to 1 minute and 30 seconds or until warm, stirring at 30-second intervals.
3. Combine hot cooked pasta and red pepper strips in a serving bowl. Pour dressing mixture evenly over pasta mixture. Top with croutons, and serve immediately.
4. *Dried porcini mushroom tortelloni or refrigerated three-cheese tortellini may be substituted.
5. Note: For testing purposes only, we used Barilla Ricotta and Asparagus Tortelloni, Wishbone Creamy Caesar Dressing, and Cardini's Gourmet Cut Caesar Croutons.