Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier (and tastier) with this One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini with Asparagus recipe. Bursting with fresh flavors, creamy textures, and minimal cleanup, this dish is a dream come true for busy home cooks. Whether you’re looking for a quick family meal or a simple dish to impress guests, this one-pan wonder checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
To make this flavorful Pesto Chicken Tortellini with Asparagus, you’ll need the following:
Main Ingredients:
-
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
-
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
-
1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
-
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
-
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
-
1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
-
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Required Kitchen Tools
-
Large, deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
-
Wooden spoon or spatula
-
Knife and cutting board
-
Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Asparagus
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the asparagus and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until it starts to become tender but still bright green.
3. Add Tortellini and Liquids
Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the tortellini, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir everything together, then cover and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the tortellini are tender and heated through.
4. Add Pesto and Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well coated and creamy. Let it simmer for another minute or two so the flavors can meld.
5. Serve and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Tips for the Perfect Pesto Chicken Tortellini with Asparagus
-
Use fresh tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks faster and gives a creamy bite, but frozen tortellini can work with adjusted cooking time.
-
Make it healthier: Use light cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
-
Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and double the asparagus for a veggie-friendly version.
-
Pesto choice matters: A high-quality store-bought pesto works great, but homemade pesto adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
-
Customize it: Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety and color.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving – serves 4)
-
Calories: 540 kcal
-
Protein: 36g
-
Fat: 28g
-
Carbohydrates: 35g
-
Fiber: 4g
-
Sugar: 3g
-
Sodium: 620mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pesto Chicken Tortellini with Asparagus dish is a weeknight lifesaver. It’s made in a single pan, takes under 30 minutes from start to finish, and delivers gourmet-level flavor without the hassle. The combination of tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, crisp asparagus, and creamy pesto sauce creates a well-balanced meal that both kids and adults love.
Plus, cleanup is a breeze – no need to boil pasta in a separate pot or dirty extra pans. The versatility of this dish also makes it ideal for adapting to what you have on hand, making it a smart choice for meal planners and improvisers alike.
Conclusion
Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. This One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini with Asparagus recipe is proof that fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meals can be made in minutes. It’s rich, vibrant, and packed with protein and veggies – making it the perfect comfort food with a healthy twist.
Bookmark this recipe, share it with friends, or whip it up tonight for a fast, fuss-free dinner that’s guaranteed to please. Once you try it, this Pesto Chicken Tortellini with Asparagus will become a regular in your dinner rotation!