Save This Creamy Pesto Tortellini Skillet is a rich and comforting meal that brings together tender cheese-filled pasta and juicy rotisserie chicken. Enveloped in a velvety pesto cream sauce, this dish is designed for those evenings when you need a quick, flavor-packed dinner without the fuss. In just 25 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality skillet meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Save Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe relies on smart shortcuts like pre-cooked chicken while maintaining a gourmet feel through the use of heavy cream and aged Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) package shelf-stable cheese tortellini
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (skin and bones removed)
- 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)
- 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
Für eine leichtere Sauce können Sie die Schlagsahne durch Halbfettrahm oder eine Milch-Sahne-Mischung ersetzen. Achten Sie darauf, die Sahne nur leicht köcheln zu lassen, damit sie beim Einrühren des Pestos schön cremig bleibt und nicht gerinnt.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Für eine vegetarische Version lassen Sie das Hähnchen einfach weg und fügen stattdessen zusätzliches Gemüse wie gebratene Champignons oder Zucchini hinzu. Bei Bedarf können Sie auch glutenfreie Tortellini verwenden.
Serviervorschläge
Genießen Sie dieses Gericht zusammen mit einem spritzigen Weißwein wie Pinot Grigio oder Sauvignon Blanc, der die Reichhaltigkeit der Pesto-Sahne-Sauce hervorragend ausgleicht.
Save Serve this bubbly, pesto-coated pasta immediately while hot. It is a satisfying meal that proves you don't need hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare individual components in advance. Cook the tortellini and prepare the sauce separately, then combine and reheat gently on the stovetop just before serving, adding spinach at the last moment for optimal texture.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half creates a lighter version with similar creaminess. Alternatively, use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche, though you may need to adjust heat to prevent curdling—stir these in off the heat or over very low temperature.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. Simply omit the rotisserie chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra substance and flavor. The pesto and creamy sauce provide richness and depth on their own.
- → Can I use fresh pesto instead of store-bought?
Definitely. Homemade pesto works wonderfully and may offer superior flavor. Use the same amount, though you may want to adjust salt since homemade versions vary in seasoning. Strain any excess liquid before stirring into the cream sauce.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Monitor the simmer carefully and don't overcook. If the sauce thickens excessively, thin it with a splash of pasta water or chicken broth. Keep heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to maintain creamy consistency.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy pesto sauce beautifully. Their acidity cuts through richness and enhances the fresh basil and garlic notes throughout the dish.