This Easy Basil Pesto Chicken dish is bursting with flavor! It combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and yummy tortellini all tossed in delicious basil pesto sauce. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for this recipe, but you can use thigh pieces for a juicier option. If you’re vegetarian, consider swapping in tofu or chickpeas for protein.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini works great here, but you can use any pasta or even gluten-free tortellini if needed. Just make sure to adjust cooking time as needed!
Cherry Tomatoes: The mix of red and yellow tomatoes adds color, but you can use regular chopped tomatoes if you prefer. Canned tomatoes could work too, just add them later to ensure they don’t get too mushy.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus provides crunch and nutrition. If it’s not in season, zucchini or bell peppers can be nice substitutes.
Basil Pesto: Store-bought pesto is quick and easy. For a fresher taste, try making your own with basil, garlic, and nuts. If you’re avoiding nuts, blend basil with nutritional yeast and olive oil instead.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken just right is key in this dish! Follow these steps:
- Start with a hot skillet to achieve a nice brown color. The oil should shimmer.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This also helps retain moisture.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, and check for doneness by cutting a piece in the middle; it should be white and juicy, not pink.
This way, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken chunks that complement the pasta and veggies beautifully!
Easy Basil Pesto Chicken with Tortellini and Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (a mix of red and yellow)
- 1 lb (450g) asparagus, trimmed
- 2-3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It includes about 10 minutes of prep time to cut the chicken and veggies, and another 15 minutes to cook everything together. A quick and delicious meal to get on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. When it’s done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Asparagus:
In the same skillet, add the trimmed asparagus. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it’s tender but still a bit crunchy. This keeps the asparagus bright and fresh. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the chicken.
3. Cooking the Tortellini:
In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini floats to the top. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the cooked tortellini and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir for 1-2 minutes to heat everything through and mix the flavors. It’s a beautiful sight with all those vibrant colors!
5. Final Touch:
Add the cooked chicken and asparagus back into the skillet along with the basil pesto. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly with the pesto, heating for another 2 minutes. If you need to, taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious Easy Basil Pesto Chicken with Tortellini and Veggies is now ready! Serve warm, and enjoy a wonderfully colorful and tasty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
FAQ for Easy Basil Pesto Chicken with Tortellini and Veggies
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is the star here, you can easily swap it for any kind of pasta, like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free varieties. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type!
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
If you don’t have asparagus on hand, feel free to use other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Make sure to adjust the cooking time for the vegetables based on their tenderness. You want them to be tender-crisp!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil if needed, or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, you can swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for protein. Just prepare them similarly, ensuring they are well-seasoned and cooked through.
