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A vibrant chicken pesto tortellini skillet showcasing a high-protein pasta meal.

One-Pan Chicken Pesto Tortellini Skillet — 30-Minute Dinner

This one-pan chicken pesto tortellini skillet is a quick and easy 30-minute meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and flavorful pesto come together in a delicious and satisfying dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 package fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (or about 1.5 lbs fresh from the deli)
  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved (optional)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh basil finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large skillet or non-stick pan

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. If using, add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce heat to low and stir in the pesto until well combined.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the pre-cooked tortellini and toss gently to coat everything with the pesto sauce.
  5. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the tortellini is warm and flavors meld. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Adjust the amount of pesto to your taste preference.