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Pesto Chicken Tortellini Recipe

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This creamy and flavorful Pesto Chicken Tortellini is a quick and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender cheese tortellini, shredded chicken, and a rich pesto-infused cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, or to taste)
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups shredded cooked or rotisserie chicken
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and bring out the garlic's aroma.
  2. Create Sauce Base: Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, pesto, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Mix everything until smooth to form the flavorful sauce.
  3. Add Tortellini and Cook: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high. Once the sauce starts bubbling, cook uncovered, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. This cooks the tortellini and allows the starch to thicken the sauce. Reduce heat if it boils too vigorously.
  4. Incorporate Chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce reaches your desired thickness. If the sauce reduces too much, add a splash more heavy cream to loosen it.
  5. Finish with Mozzarella: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Using refrigerated tortellini eliminates the need for pre-boiling and speeds up preparation.
  • Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut providing flavor and saving time.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit if you prefer mild flavors.
  • For a lighter alternative, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
  • Serve this dish with a side salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/pesto-chicken-tortellini-recipe/