Description
Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies is a vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and texture. The tender tortellini envelops a creamy pesto sauce, while juicy chicken and crisp vegetables add a delightful crunch, creating a harmonious balance of richness and freshness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta: 12 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- Protein: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- Pesto Sauce: 1 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
- Dairy: 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions (about 3-5 minutes for fresh, 7-10 minutes for frozen) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add the zucchini and bell peppers to the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked tortellini, pesto, and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To store, place in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: main-dish
- Method: sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 milligrams
Keywords: Pesto Chicken Tortellini, creamy pasta, Italian dish, chicken tortellini, pesto sauce, quick dinner, one-pot meal, vegetable pasta, easy recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner, flavorful pasta, healthy dinner, homemade pesto, cheesy tortellini