– 2 chicken breasts (about 1 pound), boneless and skinless
– 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 cups tortellini (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup zucchini, diced
– 1 cup bell peppers, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Creating the delicious Pesto Chicken with Tortellini and Veggies is straightforward if you follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Tortellini: In a pot of boiling salted water, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini. Drain and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced zucchini and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
5. Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
6. Add Pesto and Tortellini: Stir in the basil pesto and cooked tortellini, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
7. Add Cherry Tomatoes: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.
8. Serve Immediately: Transfer the mixture to serving plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
These steps guarantee a meal that is not only flavorful but also incredibly satisfying.