Enjoy a quick and delightful meal with this chicken tortellini recipe. Combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini all tossed in a flavorful pesto sauce, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 10 oz chicken breast, cut into chunks (alternatively, use chicken thighs or sausage)
- Olive oil
- 2 zucchini, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 yellow squash, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pesto
- Pinch of hot pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon of Calabrian chili in oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of garlic and herb seasoning
- 10 oz fresh cheese-filled tortellini
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken chunks, season with salt, pepper, and garlic and herb seasoning.
- Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper.
- Sauté the vegetables until they are tender but still crisp, about 5-6 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of hot pepper flakes or Calabrian chili.
- Cook the Tortellini:
- While the vegetables are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fresh cheese-filled tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pesto, mixing everything until well coated.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of fresh basil if desired.
Conclusion
This chicken tortellini with pesto is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. With its tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and cheesy tortellini, all coated in a rich pesto sauce, it’s a meal that will please everyone at the table. Enjoy this simple yet delicious recipe and make dinner time a delightful experience for your family!