Description
Pesto Chicken Tortellini is a quick and comforting Italian pasta dish that combines cheese-filled tortellini, tender cooked chicken breasts, vibrant basil pesto, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Finished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this flavorful meal is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta well to remove excess water.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and tomatoes.
- Warm the chicken: Add the sliced cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until they are heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
- Cook the tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly but retain their shape and juiciness.
- Toss with pesto: Add the drained tortellini and ½ cup of basil pesto to the skillet. Gently toss all ingredients together to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the pesto sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Incorporate baby spinach for extra greens and nutrition.
- Feel free to use either homemade or store-bought basil pesto based on preference and availability.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
