How to Cook One-Pan Tortellini Pesto Chicken (Even If You’re Not a Chef)
Did you know you can prepare a delicious tortellini pesto chicken dish in just 30 minutes? That’s right — this family favorite requires less than 10 ingredients and delivers approximately 517 calories per serving while feeding four people.
We love how this chicken pesto tortellini recipe combines convenience with nutrition. Additionally, the pesto tortellini with chicken is incredibly versatile — you can add shredded chicken or salmon depending on your preference. In fact, when made with chicken, this creamy pesto chicken tortellini packs about 44g of protein per serving! If you’re looking to add more nutrients, the pesto chicken tortellini and veggies variation includes colorful roasted vegetables that create a perfectly balanced meal in one bowl.
Throughout this article, we’ll walk you through each step of creating this one-pan wonder, even if you’ve never considered yourself a chef. From gathering ingredients to serving up a steaming bowl of comfort food, we’ve got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need for success.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before diving into cooking, let’s assemble everything we need for our tortellini pesto chicken dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you can create a delicious meal with just a handful of quality ingredients.
Essential ingredients for pesto chicken tortellini
The foundation of any successful tortellini pesto chicken starts with these key components:
- 9-12 ounces of cheese tortellini (fresh refrigerated works best)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs work equally well)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought saves time)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking [31]
- 1-1.5 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
I recommend using fresh refrigerated tortellini rather than dried varieties as they cook much faster and have a better texture. Furthermore, while some recipes call for chicken breasts, others use thighs – both work wonderfully, though thighs tend to stay juicier.
Optional add-ins for extra flavor
Want to customize your chicken pesto tortellini recipe? Consider these flavorful additions:
- Vegetables: Asparagus, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini
- Sun-dried tomatoes for rich, concentrated flavor
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced) for aromatic depth
- Parmesan cheese for extra richness [34]
- Red pepper flakes for a gentle heat
- Fresh mozzarella balls for creaminess [34]
- Artichoke hearts for Mediterranean flair
Moreover, you can transform this into a creamy pesto chicken tortellini by adding ingredients like cream cheese (4 ounces) or heavy cream (1/2 cup) [34]. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken entirely.
Kitchen tools that make it easier
Fortunately, this one-pan wonder requires minimal equipment:
- A large skillet or sauté pan with tall sides [72]
- A pot for boiling the tortellini (unless cooking everything in one pan)
- Cutting board and sharp knife for prep work
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Colander for draining pasta (if needed)
Notably, choosing the right pan makes a significant difference – a 10.5-inch non-stick fry pan is ideal for this recipe. The tall sides help contain all ingredients while allowing easy stirring.
With these ingredients and tools ready, we’re perfectly prepared to create our tortellini pesto chicken dish that combines protein, carbs, and vegetables in one delicious meal.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook One-Pan Tortellini Pesto Chicken
Now that we have everything ready, let’s start cooking our tortellini pesto chicken! This simple process will have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
1. Prep the chicken and vegetables
First, cut 1-1.5 pounds of chicken into bite-sized cubes or slices. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help it brown better. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Meanwhile, slice your cherry tomatoes in half and prepare any additional vegetables like asparagus (trim the ends) or spinach.
2. Cook the chicken until golden
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Cook for approximately 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through and has a golden-brown exterior. The chicken should no longer be pink inside.
3. Add veggies and sauté
Afterward, remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm. In the same pan, add your vegetables. For asparagus, cook for about 5-10 minutes until tender. Cherry tomatoes need only 2-3 minutes to soften slightly. If using spinach, it will wilt quickly in just 1-2 minutes.
4. Boil and drain the tortellini
While the vegetables are cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the tortellini (approximately 16 ounces) and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-7 minutes or until they float to the top. Drain the tortellini in a colander. For a clever time-saving method, place frozen peas in the colander so they thaw as you drain the hot pasta.
5. Combine everything with pesto
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained tortellini to the pan. Subsequently, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of basil pesto, coating all ingredients evenly. For a creamier version, you can also add 4 ounces of cream cheese or 1/2 cup of heavy cream at this point.
6. Simmer and serve
Once everything is combined, reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld together. The dish should be bubbly and hot throughout. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.
Make It Your Own: Variations and Add-Ins
The best part about tortellini pesto chicken is how customizable it can be! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to experiment with variations that match your preferences and what you have on hand.
Use different proteins like shrimp or sausage
I love switching up the protein in this versatile dish. Instead of chicken, try using grilled shrimp for a seafood twist that cooks even faster than chicken. Alternatively, Italian sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy element that pairs beautifully with the basil pesto. For something truly different, consider tofu for additional protein variety. These alternatives create entirely new flavor profiles while maintaining the dish’s fundamental appeal.
Add creamy pesto sauce for richness
Want to transform your dish into a luxurious creamy pesto chicken tortellini? Simply add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt to your pesto mixture. For an even richer experience, incorporate a few tablespoons of cream cheese or Parmesan. This creates a silky, indulgent sauce that clings perfectly to the tortellini. Despite the added richness, the preparation remains straightforward—just stir your creamy elements into the pesto before combining with the other ingredients.
Toss in extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms
Essentially, this dish serves as an excellent vehicle for incorporating additional vegetables. Consider these options:
- Fresh spinach or kale that wilts perfectly into the warm dish
- Sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor
- Cherry tomatoes for bursts of acidity
- Zucchini or bell peppers for color and texture
- Sun-dried tomatoes for concentrated flavor
- Artichoke hearts for Mediterranean flair
I find that adding extra vegetables not only boosts nutrition but creates a more complete one-pan meal with varied textures and flavors.
Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken
Certainly, this dish works beautifully as a vegetarian meal. Simply omit the chicken entirely—the cheese tortellini already provides protein. To maintain satisfaction, consider adding white beans like cannellini or butter beans for extra protein and texture. The pesto tortellini stands perfectly well on its own, particularly when loaded with vegetables. Certainly, a finishing touch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes the dish complete, although vegans could substitute nutritional yeast instead.
Generally, whatever your dietary preferences or ingredients on hand, this tortellini pesto recipe adapts beautifully to create a satisfying meal in minutes.
Tips for Success and Storage
With your tortellini pesto chicken nearly ready to enjoy, these final tips will ensure perfect results every time.
Avoid overcooking tortellini
One crucial aspect of perfecting tortellini pesto chicken is proper pasta cooking. Tortellini needs just 2-3 minutes to become tender. As an indicator of doneness, watch for the pasta to float to the surface – this signals it’s ready to drain. Ideally, aim for al dente texture, which means the pasta should remain slightly firm when bitten. Overcooked tortellini becomes mushy and loses its appealing texture, especially when mixed with sauce. Throughout cooking, maintain a strong simmer. If you’re making a one-pot version, keep the pot covered to trap steam, which helps cook the pasta evenly.
How to store and reheat leftovers
Fortunately, tortellini pesto chicken makes excellent leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 6 months. When reheating, the key is adding moisture since pasta absorbs sauce during storage. On the stovetop, warm over low heat with a splash of broth, pasta water, or milk to reconstitute the sauce[222]. Alternatively, for large portions, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Microwave works for individual servings, though the stovetop method gives better results.
What to serve on the side
Complete your tortellini pesto chicken meal with complementary sides. Consider these popular options:
- Fresh salads: Italian salad, Caprese salad, Caesar salad, or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balance the richness
- Bread options: Garlic bread, breadsticks, or naan for sopping up extra sauce[223]
- Vegetable sides: Roasted vegetables, asparagus, or roasted carrots add color and nutrition[223]
First, think about contrast – a light, acidic salad pairs wonderfully with creamy pesto tortellini. Similarly, crusty bread provides textural contrast. Finally, this dish is hearty enough to stand alone, especially the pesto chicken tortellini and veggies variation, which already includes a good balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables.
Conclusion
Mastering this one-pan tortellini pesto chicken truly transforms weeknight dinner challenges into delicious opportunities. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored how simple ingredients come together in just 30 minutes to create a meal that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional needs. The versatility of this dish stands as its greatest strength – whether you prefer shrimp instead of chicken, crave a creamier sauce, or need to incorporate extra vegetables.
Additionally, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to various dietary preferences. You can easily make vegetarian versions or experiment with different protein sources while maintaining the dish’s fundamental appeal. The combination of cheese-filled tortellini with vibrant pesto creates a foundation that welcomes customization based on what you have available.
Last but certainly not least, this recipe proves that delicious, nutritious meals don’t require professional culinary skills. With straightforward steps and practical storage tips, anyone can create restaurant-quality results at home. Therefore, we encourage you to embrace this versatile recipe as a starting point for culinary creativity. After all, the best meals often come from simple recipes that allow personal expression through food.
FAQs
Q1. When should I add pesto to the chicken in this recipe? Add the pesto to the chicken after cooking. Once you’ve combined the cooked chicken, vegetables, and tortellini in the skillet, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of basil pesto, coating all ingredients evenly.
Q2. How long does it take to cook the tortellini for this dish? Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, which is usually about 3-7 minutes or until they float to the top of the boiling water. Be careful not to overcook, as tortellini can become mushy if cooked too long.
Q3. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken. The cheese tortellini already provides protein, but you can also add white beans for extra protein and texture. Load up on vegetables to create a satisfying meat-free meal.
Q4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers of this dish? To reheat leftovers, warm them over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of broth, pasta water, or milk to reconstitute the sauce. For larger portions, you can reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may affect the texture.
Q5. What are some good side dishes to serve with tortellini pesto chicken? Complement your tortellini pesto chicken with sides like a fresh Italian or Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. These options provide a nice balance to the rich and creamy main dish while adding extra nutrients and textures to your meal.