Merken When you need a meal that is both comforting and incredibly fast, this Creamy Pesto Tortellini Skillet is the perfect choice. This dish brings together tender cheese-filled pasta, juicy shredded rotisserie chicken, and a luxurious basil pesto sauce for a dinner that tastes like it came from a professional kitchen, but only takes 25 minutes to prepare.
Merken Using rotisserie chicken and shelf-stable tortellini makes this recipe an absolute lifesaver for those evenings when you want a high-quality meal with minimal effort. The addition of fresh baby spinach and bright cherry tomatoes adds a lovely freshness to the rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Protein
- 1 (20 oz) package shelf-stable cheese tortellini
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (skin and bones removed)
- Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Vegetables & Garnish
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large skillet or sauté pan of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3–4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in pesto and Parmesan until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked tortellini to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Step 4
- Fold in baby spinach and cherry tomatoes (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes, until spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy and bubbling.
- Step 5
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To keep the tortellini from becoming mushy, ensure you only boil them until al dente, as they will finish cooking slightly in the hot cream sauce. When simmering the heavy cream, keep the heat at a steady medium level to prevent the sauce from separating or sticking to the pan.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is easy to modify for different dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or use gluten-free tortellini to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Serviervorschläge
This rich skillet meal pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a complete experience, serve it with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious pesto cream sauce.
Merken Whether you are cooking for your family or looking for a quick gourmet dinner for yourself, this Creamy Pesto Tortellini Skillet delivers big flavors with very little stress. It is a satisfying, all-in-one meal that is sure to become a regular part of your dinner rotation.
