chicken tortellini pesto recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
chicken tortellini pesto recipe
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The Best chicken tortellini pesto recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite chicken tortellini pesto recipe. It’s a dish that originated in Italy, but has been adapted to suit our American tastes.

The creamy pesto sauce and the tender chicken make this a perfect meal for any occasion. My kids love it when I serve it with a side of garlic bread, and my husband appreciates how easy it is to make.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress. The best part is that it’s incredibly healthy, with all the benefits of fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil.

Plus, it’s quick and easy to whip up on a weeknight or serve at a special gathering. I’ve made it for family dinners, holiday parties, and even as a comfort food when I’m feeling under the weather.

My secret ingredient? A pinch of red pepper flakes for an added kick of flavor.

This recipe is truly a staple in our household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.

Chicken Tortellini Pesto Recipe

Chicken Tortellini Pesto Recipe

4.8 from 1364 votes

This Chicken Tortellini Pesto Recipe combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a vibrant pesto sauce for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 650 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Tortellini

1 lb cheese tortellini
4 cups water

For the Pesto Sauce

2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For Garnish

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
fresh basil leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
2Add 1 lb of cheese tortellini.
3Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the tortellini floats to the top and is al dente.
4Drain and set aside.
5While the tortellini is cooking, season 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and 1 tsp of paprika.
6Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
7Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
9In a food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of pine nuts, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper.
10Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
11Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
12In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini and sliced chicken.
13Pour the pesto sauce over the top and gently toss to combine.
14If the pesto is too thick, add a little bit of the pasta water to thin it out.
15Serve the chicken tortellini pesto immediately, garnished with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Large pot
Saucepan
Food processor
Skillet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 650 kcal🧈Total Fat: 35g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 45g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute spinach or kale for basil in the pesto sauce for a different flavor profile.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Tortellini Pesto Recipe Works

For storage, I recommend keeping any leftover pesto sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freezing it for up to 3 months.

When reheating, be sure to heat the tortellini and pesto sauce together in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

And as for serving ideas, I love serving this dish with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Tortellini Pesto

Q6: Can I customize this recipe with different herbs?

Yes, you can customize this recipe with different herbs such as parsley or cilantro if you prefer.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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