Pesto Chicken Tortellini – Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy one-pan dinner? This Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! It combines juicy chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh veggies, all coated in a rich basil pesto sauce. With minimal prep and cleanup, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in just 30 minutes.

This recipe is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, and basil. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a comforting dinner, this one-pan dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Chicken Tortellini Recipe

One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes mean less cleanup!
30-Minute Meal – Quick and easy for busy nights.
Packed with Protein & Veggies – A nutritious, well-balanced meal.
Rich & Creamy – Basil pesto and sun-dried tomatoes add a gourmet touch.
Easily Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit dietary needs.

Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Tortellini

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful, one-pan pasta dish:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 (9 oz) package of cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
  • ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or water)

Optional Add-ins & Swaps:

  • For a lighter version – Use grilled chicken breast instead of thighs.
  • For a vegetarian version – Swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas.
  • For a gluten-free version – Use gluten-free tortellini or zucchini noodles.
Pesto Chicken Tortellini – Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
Pesto Chicken Tortellini – fenrecipes.com

How to Make Pesto Chicken Tortellini – Step by Step

Step1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step2: Cook the Vegetables

  1. In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes.
  2. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still vibrant.

Step3: Cook the Tortellini

  1. Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
  2. Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender.

Step4: Combine & Finish

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
  2. Add the basil pesto and stir everything together until evenly coated.
  3. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and mix well.

Step5: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute.
  2. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Pesto Chicken Tortellini

Use fresh tortellini – It cooks faster and has a better texture than dried tortellini.
Sear the chicken well – A golden crust adds more flavor.
Don’t overcook the veggies – Keep them crisp for better texture.
Add pesto off the heat – This prevents it from becoming bitter.
Customize with your favorite veggies – Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers work great!

Best Ways to Serve Pesto Chicken Tortellini

With a Side Salad – Pair with a simple green salad or a Caprese salad.
With Bread – Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette.

Try These Related Recipes:

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 18g

(Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as dairy-based sauces may separate.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs 

 Can I freeze pesto chicken tortellini?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can affect the texture of the tortellini and pesto sauce.

 What can I use instead of chicken?
You can use shrimp, tofu, or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.

 Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything except the tortellini. When ready to eat, reheat and add fresh tortellini.

 What’s the best pesto for this recipe?
Homemade basil pesto is best, but high-quality store-bought pesto works well too.

Related Recipes 

If you love this easy recipe, check out:

Conclusion

Now you know how to make the best one-pan pesto chicken tortellini and veggies at home! This easy, 30-minute recipe is packed with bold Mediterranean flavors and makes the perfect weeknight dinner.

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and share your experience!
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Pesto Chicken Tortellini – Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe

Pesto Chicken Tortellini – Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe


Description

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy one-pan dinner? This Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! It combines juicy chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh veggies, all coated in a rich basil pesto sauce. With minimal prep and cleanup, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in just 30 minutes.

This recipe is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, and basil. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a comforting dinner, this one-pan dish is sure to become a family favorite!


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 (9 oz) package of cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
  • ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or water)

Optional Add-ins & Swaps:

  • For a lighter version – Use grilled chicken breast instead of thighs.
  • For a vegetarian version – Swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas.
  • For a gluten-free version – Use gluten-free tortellini or zucchini noodles.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

  1. In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes.
  2. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still vibrant.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

  1. Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
  2. Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender.

Step 4: Combine & Finish

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
  2. Add the basil pesto and stir everything together until evenly coated.
  3. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and mix well.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute.
  2. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use fresh tortellini – It cooks faster and has a better texture than dried tortellini.
Sear the chicken well – A golden crust adds more flavor.
Don’t overcook the veggies – Keep them crisp for better texture.
Add pesto off the heat – This prevents it from becoming bitter.
Customize with your favorite veggies – Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers work great!

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