Name: Quick Delicious Pesto Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 (9 oz) package of cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated); ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup chicken broth (or water)

Are you looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy one-pan dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than this delicious Pesto Chicken Tortellini recipe! Not only does it pack a punch in the flavor department, but it also streamlines your cooking process, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With juicy chicken, creamy tortellini, and a medley of fresh vegetables all tossed in a rich basil pesto sauce, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. It’s not just a dinner; it’s a delightful escape to the Mediterranean that you can create in your own kitchen.

This Pesto Chicken Tortellini dish is not just about convenience; it’s about vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. Imagine tender chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes bursting with tangy sweetness, and asparagus providing a crisp texture, all complementing the cheesy, delightful tortellini. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a comforting dinner for your loved ones, this one-pan dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Join me as we explore how this easy yet impressive dish can transform your weeknight meals into something extraordinary!

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Chicken Tortellini

One-Pan Meal: Simplify your dinner routine with minimal cleanup, allowing you more time to enjoy your meal.
Quick to Prepare: Get this delicious dinner on the table in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights or spontaneous dinner guests.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from fresh veggies, and healthy fats from pesto, it’s a wholesome meal.
Customization: Easily modify the recipe to suit dietary needs, whether you’re looking for vegetarian options or gluten-free alternatives.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of pesto, cheese tortellini, and vegetables results in a rich dish that is satisfying and full of flavor.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to ensure you have your kitchen well-prepared for making this Pesto Chicken Tortellini. Begin by gathering all your ingredients to streamline the process. Ensure your chicken is sliced into bite-sized pieces for even cooking, and your vegetables are prepped to save time. You’ll need a large skillet to bring all the flavors together, as well as a cutting board for prepping your ingredients.

Aside from basic kitchen tools like knife and cutting board, having a spatula will help you stir and combine everything effortlessly. For those who are a bit particular about textures, a pot for boiling the tortellini may be useful for a separate cooking method, although it’s not necessary for the one-pan approach. Lastly, don’t forget to prepare your serving dishes, as you won’t want your family to wait too long for such a delicious meal!

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 (9 oz) package of cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth (or water)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken to the pan, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. This step is crucial as it not only cooks the chicken but also develops the initial layers of flavor. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus pieces, and halved cherry tomatoes. You’ll want to sauté these vegetables for approximately 3-4 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they remain slightly tender but vibrant in color. This helps to unlock their natural flavors while retaining some crispness, which will add to the texture of the final dish.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

Next, pour in about ½ cup of chicken broth to the skillet and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, stir in the cheese tortellini, cooking for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn tender. If using fresh tortellini, it will cook much quicker and be more flavorful, so keep that in mind while timing your cooking steps.

Step 4: Combine & Finish

Once the tortellini is done, it’s time to bring everything back together! Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Now, generously drizzle the basil pesto over the top and stir everything together gently until each piece is well coated with the rich sauce. To finish this step, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, giving it a final stir to incorporate the cheesy goodness throughout.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to rest for a minute. This allows the flavors to meld together further. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese as desired. Enjoy your flavorful meal that’s bound to delight everyone at the dinner table!

Variations

Protein: For a lighter version, swap out the chicken thighs for grilled chicken breast. Alternatively, you can make it vegetarian by using mushrooms or chickpeas instead of chicken.
Vegetables: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini can add color and nutrition
Spices: You can elevate the dish by experimenting with additional spices like red pepper flakes for a kick or fresh herbs such as thyme or oregano for extra flavor.

Cooking Notes

Always use fresh tortellini if possible, as it cooks faster and has a better texture compared to dried varieties.
Ensure to sear the chicken well; a golden crust contributes significantly to the overall flavor of the dish.
Avoid overcooking the vegetables to maintain their crispness, which enhances the dish’s texture.
Add the pesto off the heat to prevent it from turning bitter due to overcooking.
Feel free to be creative with veggies! This recipe is extremely adaptable based on what you have available.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar for a fresh side.
Some crusty garlic bread can complement this dish nicely, making it feel like a full Italian feast.

Tips

For those who prefer a little kick, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dish.
If you have leftover pesto, drizzle it over the top before serving to amplify the flavor.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
Protein: 37g
Sodium: 720mg

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for tortellini, you can use other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta for a different texture.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese tortellini with a dairy-free option and omit Parmesan. There are great dairy-free pesto options available as well!

Can I meal prep this dish?

This Pesto Chicken Tortellini is great for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it as needed.

What can I serve with Pesto Chicken Tortellini?

It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a light salad, or even a glass of white wine for a lovely dinner experience.

Conclusion

This Pesto Chicken Tortellini is not only quick and easy to make, but it also delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Bursting with delightful ingredients and offering endless variations, this dish is perfect for any busy household. Whether you are making it for your family dinner or impressing friends, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try customizing it to your liking, and don’t hesitate to share your twists in the comments! Happy cooking!