One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies

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One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies is a vibrant, satisfying dinner that brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, colorful vegetables, and rich basil pesto in one skillet. Because it’s made in a single pan, this recipe minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. Even better, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to prepare One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies step by step, plus expert tips to keep your chicken juicy and your tortellini perfectly cooked. If you love Italian-inspired meals that are quick, hearty, and family-friendly, this recipe is a must-try.

Let’s start by exploring why this dish has become so popular.

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Why One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies Is So Popular

This dish stands out because it combines convenience and bold flavor in one simple recipe.

A Complete Meal in One Skillet

With protein, pasta, and vegetables all in one pan, One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies delivers a balanced meal without extra side dishes. Because everything cooks together, the flavors blend beautifully.

Fresh Italian-Inspired Flavors

Basil pesto, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini create a classic Italian flavor profile. The pesto adds herbaceous brightness, while the tortellini provides rich, comforting texture.

According to culinary experts at Bon Appétit, pesto-based pasta dishes remain popular because they offer fresh flavor without complicated preparation.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Since this dish cooks quickly and requires minimal prep, it’s ideal for evenings when time is limited. Additionally, it’s versatile enough to adjust based on what vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients for the Best One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies

Simple, fresh ingredients make this recipe shine.

Choosing the Right Tortellini

You can use:

Refrigerated cheese tortellini
Frozen tortellini
Spinach or chicken-filled tortellini

Refrigerated tortellini cooks fastest and works perfectly in One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies.

Best Chicken Cuts for Juicy Results

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and convenient. However, chicken thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Vegetables That Pair Well with Pesto

Colorful vegetables not only boost nutrition but also add texture. Great options include:

Cherry tomatoes
Zucchini
Bell peppers
Broccoli
Spinach

Because pesto pairs well with green vegetables, you can easily customize the mix.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Pesto

Store-bought pesto is convenient and flavorful. However, homemade pesto often tastes fresher. Either works well in One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies.

Look for pesto made with real basil, Parmesan, olive oil, and pine nuts for the best flavor.

How to Make One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies Step by Step

Now it’s time to bring this flavorful dish together. Fortunately, One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies cooks quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy evenings. By following the right order, you’ll ensure tender chicken, perfectly cooked tortellini, and vibrant vegetables.

Cooking the Chicken Properly

Start by heating 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1½ pounds of diced boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Because overcrowding prevents browning, cook in batches if needed.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Adding Tortellini and Vegetables

In the same skillet, add:

1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup sliced zucchini
1 cup chopped bell peppers
1 cup broccoli florets
½ cup chicken broth

Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and vegetables are just softened.

Because tortellini cooks quickly, avoid overcooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Incorporating the Pesto Sauce

Once the tortellini is tender, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and stir in:

½ cup basil pesto

Mix thoroughly so the pesto coats the chicken, tortellini, and vegetables evenly. If the mixture appears too thick, add a splash of broth or a tablespoon of reserved pasta water.

Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend.

Finishing Touches for Extra Flavor

For added richness, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or red pepper flakes for heat.

At this point, your One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies is ready to serve—vibrant, savory, and perfectly balanced.

Tips for Perfect One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies

Even though this recipe is simple, a few smart tips can elevate it.

Avoiding Overcooked Tortellini

Tortellini cooks quickly. Therefore:

Monitor cooking time carefully.
Remove from heat as soon as tender.
Avoid prolonged simmering after adding pesto.

Overcooked tortellini can become too soft and lose its texture.

Keeping Chicken Tender

Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Additionally, avoid overcooking—once it reaches 165°F, remove it from direct heat.

Because chicken continues cooking slightly after removal, timing matters.

Adjusting Sauce Consistency

If your One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies looks dry, add a splash of broth. On the other hand, if it’s too loose, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce excess liquid.

Variations and Customization Ideas

One of the best features of One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies is how adaptable it is.

Making It Creamy with Parmesan or Cream

For a richer version, stir in:

¼ cup heavy cream
Extra Parmesan cheese

This creates a creamy pesto sauce that clings beautifully to the tortellini.

Using Different Proteins

You can substitute:

Italian sausage
Shrimp
Grilled tofu

Each protein pairs well with pesto and vegetables.

Vegetarian Version with Extra Veggies

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and increase the vegetables. Adding mushrooms or spinach boosts flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies

Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Simply adjust cooking time slightly and ensure it’s fully tender before adding pesto.

How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare it ahead and reheat before serving. However, tortellini may soften slightly during storage.

Is One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies Healthy?

This dish provides protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in one meal. To lighten it, use whole wheat tortellini and reduce the pesto slightly.

Final Thoughts on One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies

One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies delivers bold Italian-inspired flavor with minimal effort. Because it combines juicy chicken, cheesy tortellini, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant pesto in one skillet, it’s both convenient and satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this dish offers comfort, freshness, and versatility all at once. Once you try this One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies recipe, it may quickly become part of your regular meal rotation.

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