Description
Pesto Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, flavor-packed Italian pasta dish combining tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, fresh basil pesto, spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a delicious and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Pasta and Proteins
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ½ cup heavy cream
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper to evenly coat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Pesto Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream into the cooked chicken, mixing until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Add the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the tortellini is evenly coated with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used as a quick substitute to save time.
- Enhance flavor by adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling & Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
