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- 2 cups chicken breast, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup basil pesto sauce - 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish The ingredients for this creamy pesto chicken tortellini dish are simple yet flavorful. You need chicken, pesto, and tortellini. Start with fresh chicken breast. Dicing it helps it cook evenly and quickly. Use olive oil to sauté the chicken and add richness. Chicken broth provides a tasty base. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and creamy. Basil pesto adds a fresh, vibrant flavor. For the tortellini, you can choose fresh or frozen. Both work well in this recipe. Cherry tomatoes brighten the dish with a pop of color and sweetness. Fresh spinach adds a nice touch and extra nutrients. Garlic powder gives depth to the flavors. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. These add a lovely finish to your meal. - Calories per serving: Approximately 600 - Protein content: About 30 grams - Dietary considerations: Gluten-free options available with specific tortellini brands This dish is filling and packed with protein. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep. You can adjust the recipe for dietary needs, like using gluten-free tortellini. Enjoy this tasty meal with no fuss! First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 cups of diced chicken breast. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Sauté the chicken for 5-6 minutes. Stir often until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink. This step builds a solid base for flavor. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This warms the broth and adds depth to the dish. Next, add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini. Cook it based on the package instructions. For fresh tortellini, this usually takes 3-5 minutes, while frozen takes 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the tortellini from sticking. After the tortellini is tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of basil pesto. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. This is where the magic happens! Gently fold in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach. Cook for an extra 2 minutes. This wilts the spinach and warms the dish. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a beautiful finish. If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. For protein swaps, shrimp or sausage work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. To adjust the creaminess, add more cream if you want it rich. If it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. To prevent tortellini from sticking, stir them gently while cooking. This keeps them separate and fluffy. For serving, use deep bowls to show off the dish. Top with extra Parmesan cheese for flavor and a pop of color. Fresh basil leaves also brighten the plate. Pair it with garlic bread or a light salad for a tasty meal. Enjoy each bite! {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just swap the chicken for fresh vegetables. Great choices include: - Bell peppers - Zucchini - Mushrooms - Broccoli These veggies add color and flavor. You can sauté them just like the chicken. They will soak up the tasty pesto sauce. If you like heat, try a spicy version. Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy pesto instead of regular pesto. This will give your dish a kick. For extra spice, consider: - Jalapeños - Hot Italian sausage instead of chicken This adds depth and excitement to every bite. Using seasonal produce can change the flavor of your dish. In autumn, add roasted butternut squash or kale. In summer, mix in fresh corn or snap peas. These seasonal ingredients bring freshness. They also make the dish feel new and vibrant. Always look for what’s in season to keep your meals exciting. After enjoying your creamy pesto chicken tortellini, you'll want to store any leftovers properly. First, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can safely store this dish in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to avoid drying out. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to squeeze out any extra air to prevent freezer burn. This dish can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For the best taste, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore its creamy texture. Enjoy every bite! It takes about 20 minutes to make this dish. You need 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. This quick time means you can enjoy a tasty meal without a long wait. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave. This recipe works great for kids. The creamy sauce and cheesy tortellini are often a hit. You can control the salt and spice to suit their taste. Plus, you add veggies like spinach and tomatoes, which boost nutrition. This blog post covered a creamy pesto chicken tortellini recipe. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting the dish. Plus, we explored variations and storage methods. In the end, this easy meal is great for busy days. It’s also flexible for any taste. Enjoy making it your own and share it with loved ones. You’ll impress them with this delicious dish!

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini

Indulge in the deliciousness of One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini, a quick and easy meal perfect for busy nights! With tender chicken, creamy pesto, and cheesy tortellini, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes. Discover how to whip up this comforting recipe that everyone will love. Click through for step-by-step instructions and tips to elevate your dinner tonight! Enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience with this delightful recipe!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup basil pesto sauce

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach, packed

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

    Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

      Add the tortellini to the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions: typically, this takes about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7-9 minutes for frozen tortellini. Stir occasionally to ensure the tortellini do not stick to the bottom of the pot.

        Once the tortellini are tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto, mixing well until the sauce is creamy and evenly distributed.

          Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the dish to heat through completely.

            Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve the creamy pesto chicken tortellini hot, garnished generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the tortellini in deep bowls, topped with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a refreshing light salad for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy every bite!