Chicken Pesto Tortellini Skillet
Creamy, vibrant pesto swirls with tender tortellini and juicy chicken in this one-skillet wonder.
Total: 30 minPrep: 10 minCook: 20 minServes 4Difficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (120+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 12 oz cheese-filled tortellini
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts for garnish
Steps
- 1 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.
- 2 Push chicken to the side and add garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute.
- 3 Add tortellini and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for 8 minutes or until tortellini is al dente.
- 4 Stir in pesto and cherry tomatoes, heating through for an additional 2 minutes.
- 5 Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
- 6 Serve immediately, garnished with pine nuts if desired.
Equipment
- Large skillet with lid
Variations
- Add grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Substitute spinach for a portion of the pesto for extra greens.
Substitutions
- Use store-bought pesto if making from scratch is daunting.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
Pairings
- Chianti wine
- Sparkling water with lemon
Nutrition
Calories:
550 kcal
Fat:
22g fat
Carbs:
50g carbohydrates
Protein:
35g protein
Fiber:
5g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream with the pesto.
- If pesto is too strong for your taste, start with half and adjust to preference.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad.
- Serve with warm crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
FAQ
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely, just cook it according to package instructions before adding it to the skillet.