One-Pan Pesto Chicken, Tortellini, and Veggies
A comforting one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken, pillowy tortellini, and bright seasonal vegetables coated in vibrant pesto, perfect for spring through early fall.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts Consider halving for even cooking.
- 1 cup tortellini Fresh cooks faster, adjust for dried.
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup pesto Use fresh or store-bought.
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. If the breasts are thick, pound them gently to an even thickness or butterfly them to shorten cooking time.
- Trim asparagus and halve the cherry tomatoes. Have fresh tortellini ready; check package instructions for dried.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan and cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Use an instant-read thermometer; chicken is done at 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and let rest tented with foil.
Sautéing Vegetables
- In the same pan, add another drizzle of olive oil if needed. Add asparagus and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until bright and tender-crisp.
Cooking Tortellini
- Push the veggies to the side, add tortellini and enough water or broth to cover the pasta. Bring to a simmer and cook until tortellini are tender.
- Alternatively, cook tortellini in a separate pot of boiling water, then drain and return to the pan with veggies.
Finishing Touches
- Reduce heat to low, return the cooked chicken to the pan, add pesto, and gently toss to coat.
Serving
- Slice chicken and serve with tortellini and veggies. Garnish with lemon, basil, or cheese.
Notes
Optional: Use homemade or store-bought pesto. Fresh tortellini cooks quicker. Can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g
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