If you’re hunting for a dinner that strikes the perfect balance between cozy comfort and vibrant flavor, you can’t go wrong with Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies. This dish brings pillowy cheese tortellini, juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and a bright burst of basil pesto together in one skillet. The end result? A meal that feels both elegant and effortless, with every bite delivering a symphony of tastes and textures. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or treating yourself to a heartier, vibrant bowl, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.

Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies is that it comes together with basic, fresh ingredients, each one playing a key role in texture, taste, or adding that pop of color. Here’s everything you’ll need, plus handy little tips to make your dish truly special:

Chicken breast: Lean and tender, chicken breast soaks up all those wonderful pesto flavors and adds protein for a satisfying bite.
Cheese tortellini: The pillowy pockets of cheese become gloriously coated with pesto and juices, making each forkful impossible to resist.
Pesto sauce: Fragrant with basil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts, pesto brings the signature flavor that ties everything together—store-bought or homemade, it’s up to you.
Bell peppers: Choose a mix for vibrant color and sweet crunch; they brighten up the skillet and add a lovely contrast to the creamy pasta.
Zucchini: This mild veggie melts right in, giving a tender, fresh note and a little extra veg power.
Cherry tomatoes: Roasted until just-burst, they add juicy sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
Olive oil: Essential for sautéing everything to glossy perfection; opt for extra virgin for the richest flavor.
Salt and pepper: A touch of seasoning is all it takes to help every ingredient shine.
Parmesan cheese: A final flourish that brings a savory, salty sparkle to every serving—don’t skip this finishing touch.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then drop in your cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package directions just until tender, then drain and set aside. Don’t overcook—it’ll finish in the sauce, staying perfectly al dente.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the tortellini cooks, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden on the outside and cooked through. Juicy, flavorful chicken is the backbone of Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

To the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil, then toss in your bell peppers and zucchini. Sauté until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes last, letting them blister and pop for even more flavor and color.

Step 4: Combine Everything with Pesto

Lower the heat, return the chicken to the skillet, and add the drained tortellini. Spoon over your pesto sauce and gently toss everything together until every bite is glossy and green. The aroma alone will have everyone drifting into the kitchen, eager for a taste of this Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies masterpiece.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

Just before serving, shower the skillet with freshly grated Parmesan. Stir it through for creamy richness or sprinkle it on top for a little extra pizzazz—either way, this touch makes your Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies totally irresistible.

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies

Garnishes

I love to finish each bowl with a little extra Parmesan, a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts, and a handful of fresh basil leaves. It’s a simple trick, but these garnishes lift the flavors and make the whole dish look restaurant-worthy—a little bit of love really does show on the plate!

Side Dishes

Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, some warm garlic bread, or a simple tomato cucumber salad. The freshness of the sides cuts through the richness and brings the meal together.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies in shallow bowls with a drizzle of good olive oil and a lemon wedge on the side. Or, arrange everything in a big serving platter, family-style, and let everyone dig in—guaranteed to spark some smiles around the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (however rare that may be!), store your Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to three days, making lunch or a speedy dinner the next day a real treat.

Freezing

For best texture, freeze individual portions before adding the final Parmesan. Let the dish cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add a sprinkle of fresh cheese after reheating to revive that just-made taste.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your portion into a microwave-safe bowl and warm gently, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you prefer, a quick toss in a skillet with a touch of olive oil revives both flavor and texture. A little splash of chicken broth can help loosen things up if needed.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even easier. Just shred or dice the cooked chicken and stir it in at the same stage you’d add back the sautéed chicken—no extra cooking needed.

What type of tortellini works best?

Cheese-filled tortellini is the classic choice for Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies, but spinach or even chicken-stuffed tortellini would be delicious here. Just make sure to adjust cook time based on the package directions.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Simply skip the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms or asparagus, or toss in some white beans or chickpeas for protein. You’ll still get all the color and flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.

Is homemade pesto better than store-bought for this recipe?

Both work wonderfully! Homemade pesto gives you the freshest, brightest flavors, while quality store-bought pesto makes prep a breeze without sacrificing much on taste. Use whichever fits your mood and time constraints.

How do I make Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies gluten-free?

Look for gluten-free tortellini at specialty stores or swap in gluten-free pasta of your choice. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this swap makes it easy for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bring Pesto Chicken Tortellini and Veggies into your home kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that makes any night feel a little more special without keeping you tied to the stove. Give it a try, play with the veggies, and let it become your signature comfort meal—you’ll be glad you did!