Description
This One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and colorful vegetables are cooked together in one skillet with aromatic basil pesto. It’s a comforting and fresh dish that requires minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Optional: 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, Fresh basil for garnish, Toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup of water or broth and bring to a simmer. Add tortellini and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Add pesto and heavy cream (if using). Toss to combine and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with lemon juice. Serve warm.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Do not overcook the tortellini; it should be tender but firm.
- Add pesto towards the end of cooking to preserve its fresh flavor and color.
- Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / One-Pan Meal
- Method: Sauté / Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: One Pan Pesto Chicken, Tortellini and Veggies, Easy Weeknight Dinner, One-Skillet Meal, Pesto Pasta Chicken, Family-Friendly Dinner