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For the perfect One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups chicken breast, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup pesto sauce - 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, fresh - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients combine to create a rich and creamy dish that your family will love. You can make this dish your own with these optional ingredients: - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist - Peas for added sweetness and color - Artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean flair - Zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies Feel free to mix and match these options to suit your taste and pantry. If you need alternatives, consider these substitutions: - Swap chicken breast for turkey or tofu for a lighter option. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a veggie base. - Opt for coconut milk in place of heavy cream for dairy-free cooking. - Replace cheese tortellini with gluten-free pasta if needed. These swaps keep your dish delicious while catering to dietary needs. 1. Dice the chicken breast into small pieces. This helps it cook quickly and evenly. 2. Gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking smooth and fun. 3. Measure out the chicken broth and heavy cream. Having everything ready is key. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the diced chicken, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 5-6 minutes. The chicken should be white and cooked through. 3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. This adds flavor to your dish. 4. Add the tortellini. If using fresh, cook for 3-5 minutes. If frozen, cook for 7-9 minutes. Stir it gently to keep it from sticking. 5. Once tender, lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and pesto. Mix until smooth and creamy. 6. Gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Let it cook for 2 more minutes. This wilts the spinach and warms everything up. 7. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or pepper. 1. Serve the creamy pesto chicken tortellini hot. 2. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. It adds flavor and looks great! 3. Use deep bowls for serving. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. 4. Pair with garlic bread or a light salad for a tasty meal. Enjoy every bite! To cook chicken well, start with even-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Use a medium heat and add olive oil to your pot. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for great flavor. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes. Look for no pink inside to know it’s done. If you want to add more flavor, marinate the chicken for an hour before cooking. When picking tortellini, think about your time and taste. Fresh tortellini cooks fast, taking only 3-5 minutes. It has a soft texture and rich flavor. Frozen tortellini lasts longer but needs 7-9 minutes to cook. If you want quick meals, fresh is best. If you plan ahead, frozen works well. Check the package for cooking times, and don’t forget to stir! Pesto sauce adds a fresh, herby taste to your dish. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor. Mix the pesto with cream over low heat. This makes it creamy and rich. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini instead. This gives you a tasty, colorful meal without losing flavor. The pesto sauce pairs well with the cheese tortellini, making it rich and creamy. To make this recipe gluten-free, choose gluten-free tortellini. Many stores offer this option now. You can also check online for brands that fit your needs. The rest of the ingredients are usually gluten-free. Just make sure your broth and pesto are safe too. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! Feel free to get creative! You can add broccoli, bell peppers, or peas. They cook quickly and add color. For more protein, consider adding chickpeas or diced tofu. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. This keeps your dish balanced and full of nutrition. Enjoy making it your own! To store your One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. Your dish will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you freeze, leave some space at the top. This allows for expansion as it freezes. To reheat, you can use a pot or microwave. If using a pot, heat it on low. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often to avoid burning. In the microwave, use medium heat and stir halfway through. Enjoy your creamy dish warm! Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in a container and keep it in the fridge. It tastes great after a day. Just remember to reheat it gently. You can pair this dish with several sides. Garlic bread complements the creamy sauce well. A light salad adds freshness. Roasted vegetables also work nicely. Choose what you enjoy most! This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy the flavors while they are fresh! This blog post covered key ingredients and steps to make a tasty One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini. We explored essential and optional ingredients, cooking tips, and variations for all diets. I provided storage advice to keep your leftovers fresh. Remember, you can switch ingredients or add veggies to make it your own. I hope these tips help you cook a delicious meal with ease. Happy cooking!

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini

Indulge in a quick and delicious meal with this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini recipe! Ready in just 20 minutes, it features tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich pesto sauce combined in a single pot for easy clean-up. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that your family will love. Click through to get the full recipe and bring this creamy delight to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups chicken breast, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup pesto sauce

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup spinach, fresh

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.

    Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

      Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or about 7-9 minutes for frozen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

        Once the tortellini is tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and pesto. Mix until well combined and creamy.

          Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Allow to cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through.

            Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Serve the creamy pesto chicken tortellini hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top and a couple of basil leaves for a vibrant color contrast. Pair with a side of garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!