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One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini & Veggies

One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini & Veggies

This One-Pan Pesto Chicken Tortellini & Veggies is the ultimate quick comfort meal. Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and colorful vegetables cook together in a creamy pesto sauce — all in one skillet for easy cleanup. It’s fresh, hearty, and packed with herby flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 zucchini, sliced

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

  • ½¾ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add garlic, zucchini, and bell pepper.
Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
Add tomatoes and cook 1 more minute.

Step 3: Cook Tortellini

Add tortellini, chicken broth, and cream to the skillet.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 5–7 minutes until tortellini is tender.

Step 4: Add Flavor

Return chicken to the pan.
Stir in pesto and Parmesan until everything is coated and creamy.
Simmer 1–2 minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

✔ Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal
✔ Swap veggies with broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms
✔ Add red pepper flakes for heat
✔ For lighter sauce, use milk + Greek yogurt instead of cream
✔ Homemade pesto adds the freshest flavor