Creamy Chicken Tortellini Pesto Skillet: A One-Pan Wonder
Craving a delicious, satisfying meal that’s quick to make and easy to clean up? Look no further than this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Pesto Skillet! This recipe combines juicy chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, vibrant pesto, and a creamy sauce, all cooked in a single skillet. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want a flavorful and comforting dinner without the fuss.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to your preferences. Feel free to swap out the chicken for sausage, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the amount of pesto to your liking. The possibilities are endless!
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Less dishes to wash! Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** The combination of chicken, pesto, and creamy sauce is incredibly delicious and filling.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients.
* **Comfort Food:** A warm and comforting meal that the whole family will love.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable Chicken Tortellini Pesto Skillet:
* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
* **Cheese Tortellini:** Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini works best. You can also use other filled pasta, such as ravioli.
* **Pesto:** Store-bought or homemade pesto adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor. I recommend using a good quality pesto for the best results. Basil pesto is the classic choice, but you can experiment with other varieties, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto.
* **Heavy Cream:** This creates a rich and creamy sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be thinner.
* **Chicken Broth:** Adds flavor and moisture to the skillet.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic enhances the savory flavor of the dish.
* **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and cheesy flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best!
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** Cherry tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes.
**Detailed Ingredient List:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
* 1/2 cup pesto
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* Optional: 5 ounces baby spinach
* Optional: 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
* Optional: 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula or wooden spoon
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Chicken Tortellini Pesto Skillet:
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
* Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
**2. Sauté the Chicken and Garlic:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**3. Add the Tortellini and Sauce Ingredients:**
* Stir in the tortellini, pesto, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
**4. Simmer and Cook:**
* Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
**5. Add Optional Ingredients (if using):**
* If you’re using cherry tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes, add them to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Cook until the tomatoes are softened, the spinach is wilted, and the mushrooms are tender.
**6. Stir in Parmesan Cheese:**
* Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is creamy.
**7. Season and Serve:**
* Taste the skillet and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
**Detailed Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as it will enhance the flavor of the entire dish.
2. **Sauté Chicken and Garlic:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to low.
3. **Add Tortellini and Sauce:** Add 1 (20 ounce) package of refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup of pesto, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
4. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the tortellini from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
5. **Add Optional Vegetables (if using):** If you’re adding vegetables, such as 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 5 ounces of baby spinach, 4 ounces of sliced mushrooms, or 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stir them into the skillet during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking time. Cook until the tomatoes are softened, the spinach is wilted, and the mushrooms are tender.
6. **Stir in Parmesan Cheese and Chicken:** Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. **Season and Serve:** Taste the Chicken Tortellini Pesto Skillet and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want to add a little heat, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves (if desired).
## Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Be sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Use Fresh Tortellini:** Fresh or refrigerated tortellini cooks much faster than dried tortellini, making it ideal for this quick skillet recipe.
* **Don’t Overcook the Tortellini:** Overcooked tortellini can become mushy. Cook the tortellini until it is tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
* **Adjust the Amount of Pesto:** The amount of pesto you use will depend on your personal preference. Start with 1/2 cup and add more if desired.
* **Make it Your Own:** Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or meats to create a dish that is perfect for you.
## Variations
* **Sausage Tortellini Pesto Skillet:** Substitute the chicken with Italian sausage or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
* **Vegetarian Tortellini Pesto Skillet:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
* **Spicy Tortellini Pesto Skillet:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Creamy Tomato Pesto Skillet:** Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto and add a can of diced tomatoes for a rich and flavorful sauce.
* **Garlic Shrimp Tortellini Skillet**: Replace the chicken with shrimp and add some extra garlic, lemon juice, and butter for a seafood-inspired version.
## Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Tortellini Pesto Skillet is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the creamy sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skillet.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Caprese Salad:** Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a light and refreshing appetizer or side dish.
## Make Ahead and Storage
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the chicken to the skillet and proceed with the recipe.
* **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
## Nutrition Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 40-50 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
## FAQs
* **Can I use frozen tortellini?** Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. However, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
* **Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?** Yes, you can use milk instead of heavy cream. However, the sauce will be thinner.
* **Can I make this recipe gluten-free?** Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini.
* **Can I add other vegetables?** Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this skillet.
## Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Pesto Skillet is a delicious, easy, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, flavorful pesto, and tender chicken and tortellini, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a one-pan wonder!
Enjoy!