This Pesto Chicken Tortellini is perfect for pasta lovers who seeking different flavors and textures. The vibrant green pesto, tender chicken, and succulent tortellini come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. So today I will show you how to make Pesto Chicken Tortellini in your kitchen with easy and simple steps.

Who is this Recipe For?

This Pesto Chicken Tortellini recipe is for anyone looking to elevate their pasta game. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and hearty meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Additionally, this Pesto Chicken Tortellini recipe is a great way to introduce picky eaters to new flavors. The pesto adds a fresh and herby taste, making it a delightful choice for those who love a burst of flavor in every bite.

Why It’s Great

1. Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy individuals and families.
2. Versatile: You can customize this recipe by using your favorite type of tortellini or adjusting the pesto ingredients to suit your taste.
3. Balanced Flavors: The pesto brings a delightful herbiness, the chicken adds protein, and the tortellini offers a comforting, doughy element.
4. Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant green pesto contrasts beautifully with the tortellini and chicken, making it a feast for the eyes as well.

Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Tortellini

To create this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) of tortellini
• 2 cups (60g) of fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup (120ml) of olive oil
• 1/2 cup (50g) of grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves of garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound (450g) of boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice
• Cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Pesto

1. Gather the Ingredients: Collect fresh basil leaves, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend to Perfection: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the olive oil while blending until a smooth paste forms.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the pesto and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. Set aside.

Cook the Tortellini

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and Rinse: Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil, cook the chicken breasts over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Slice the chicken into thin strips.

Combine and Serve

1. Mix It Up: Toss the cooked tortellini with the pesto until well coated. Add the sliced chicken and gently mix.
2. Garnish: Serve in a dish, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
3. Enjoy: Serve this Pesto Chicken Tortellini hot and savor the delightful flavors!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To prepare this delicious Pesto Chicken Tortellini, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

• Food processor
• Large pot for boiling the tortellini
• Skillet for cooking the chicken
• Mixing utensils
• Serving dish

Tips

Use Fresh basil and good-quality tortellini to make the dish tastier.

Don’t Cook Pasta Too Much, Cook the tortellini ‘al dente’ to keep it just right. If you cook it too long, it gets mushy.

Taste the pesto as you make it. You can add more garlic, Parmesan, or salt if you want.

If you have time, let the chicken sit in the pesto for 30 minutes before cooking. It makes it even more flavorful.

Before you pour out the water from the pasta, save a cup. It can help make your pesto sauce just how you like it.

When you mix the tortellini, chicken, and pesto, do it gently so you don’t squish the pasta.

You can put different things on top, like cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, or more Parmesan cheese, to make it look and taste great.

Instead of chicken, you can use grilled shrimp or roasted veggies for a different taste.

Conclusion

The pesto Chicken Tortellini recipe offers a delightful journey through Italian flavors and simplicity. The blend of tender tortellini, succulent chicken, and a vibrant basil pesto creates a harmony of tastes and textures that’s hard to resist. This recipe embodies the essence of Italian cuisine, bringing together the comforting aspects of pasta with the freshness of basil.

Pesto Chicken Tortellini

Recipe by MamaCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

550

kcal

Total time

35

minutes

This Pesto Chicken Tortellini recipe is a delightful blend of Italian flavors and textures. Tender tortellini, succulent chicken, and a vibrant basil pesto come together to create a harmonious and satisfying dish. The pesto adds a burst of fresh, herby taste, perfectly complementing the protein-rich chicken and the comforting tortellini, Quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) of tortellini

• 2 cups (60g) of fresh basil leaves

• 1/2 cup (120ml) of olive oil

• 1/2 cup (50g) of grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 cloves of garlic

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 pound (450g) of boneless, skinless chicken breast

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice

• Cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Pesto
• Collect fresh basil leaves, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the olive oil while blending until a smooth paste forms.
• Taste the pesto and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. Set aside.
• Cook the Tortellini
• In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
• Prepare the Chicken
• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• In a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil, cook the chicken breasts over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
• Combine and Serve
• Toss the cooked tortellini with the pesto until well coated. Add the sliced chicken and gently mix.
• Serve in a dish, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
• Serve this Pesto Chicken Tortellini hot and savor the delightful flavors!

Notes

• Whenever possible, use fresh basil for the pesto and good-quality, fresh tortellini. The flavors will shine through.
• Cook the tortellini al dente to maintain a satisfying texture. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
• Taste the pesto as you make it and adjust the quantities of garlic, Parmesan, or salt to suit your flavor preferences.
• If time permits, marinate the chicken in the pesto for 30 minutes before cooking. It'll infuse more flavor into the chicken.
• Before draining the tortellini, save a cup of pasta cooking water. It's great for adjusting the consistency of your pesto sauce.
• When combining the tortellini, chicken, and pesto, mix gently to avoid breaking the tortellini.
• Use a variety of garnishes like cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, or extra Parmesan cheese for added flavors and aesthetics.
• Try using grilled shrimp or roasted vegetables instead of chicken for a different protein choice.
• Prepare extra pesto and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. It's a versatile sauce for various dishes.