Go Back
Homemade Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini photo

Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini

A quick, creamy one-skillet pasta with tender chicken, basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan.
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 7 ounces basil pesto one container
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 12 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes slivered
  • 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • large nonstick skillet with lid
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook about 2 minutes, turning as needed, until browned on the outside.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the half-and-half, then stir in the basil pesto and crushed red pepper flakes until combined and the sauce begins to simmer.
  5. Add the refrigerated tortellini, pressing them into the liquid so they are as submerged as possible. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer (do not boil).
  6. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until the tortellini are heated through and tender.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the slivered sun-dried tomatoes and shredded Parmesan until the cheese melts into the sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil or dry-packed.
  • If using oil-packed tomatoes, blot excess oil with paper towels before adding.