Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini Bake

If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort, bold flavors, and effortless prep, then this Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini Bake is your new go-to. Imagine tender cheese tortellini enveloped in a luscious pesto cream sauce, mingling with shredded chicken and bursts of juicy cherry tomatoes, all topped with melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This recipe is a celebration of vibrant Italian flavors with a rich and creamy twist that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Top Reasons to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini Bake

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Comfort Food with a Fresh Twist: The creamy pesto sauce adds a bright herbaceous flavor to the classic cheesy pasta bake.
• Family-Friendly: This dish pleases kids and adults alike with its melty cheese and familiar flavors.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time, and easily swap in your favorite fresh herbs or veggies.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this a weeknight winner.

What’s in the Bowl

• 12 oz cheese tortellini: The star pasta, packed with cheesy goodness and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Adds protein and heartiness; rotisserie or boiled chicken works great.
• 1 cup pesto sauce: Fresh basil pesto brings that classic Italian punch.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that ties everything together.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible golden crust.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty depth and extra cheesiness.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of color.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing garlic and enhancing flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal finish.

Tools of the Trade

• Large pot: To boil the tortellini quickly and easily.
• Skillet or sauté pan: For cooking garlic and warming the pesto cream sauce.
• Baking dish (9×13 inch): To assemble and bake the tortellini bake to bubbly perfection.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce and combining ingredients.
• Cheese grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese if you prefer it over pre-grated.

Step-by-Step: Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini Bake

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz of cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pesto Cream Sauce

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup pesto sauce until fully combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the shredded chicken (2 cups) into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

In your baking dish, combine the cooked tortellini, pesto chicken sauce mixture, and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges start to turn golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Dive in and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

International Equivalents

• Italy: Similar to a tortellini al forno, which is a baked tortellini dish often layered with béchamel or tomato sauce.
• United States: Comparable to a classic pasta bake but with a flavorful pesto twist.
• France: Comparable to gratin dishes, where creamy sauces and cheese are baked to golden perfection.
• United Kingdom: Similar to a cheesy pasta bake popular in home cooking and comfort food menus.

Don’t Do This

• Don’t overcook the tortellini in the boiling water — al dente texture is key to avoid a mushy bake.
• Don’t skip seasoning the sauce because pesto can vary in saltiness; taste and adjust as you go.
• Avoid using low-fat cream substitutes if you want that rich, creamy consistency.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; give the ingredients some space for even cooking and bubbling cheese.

Save It for Later

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini Bake makes excellent leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave with a splash of cream to loosen the sauce. It also freezes well — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini Bake FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is ideal for this creamy pesto dish, you can substitute with other filled pastas like ravioli or even use short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You could also boost the protein with chickpeas or a plant-based chicken alternative.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake it fresh when ready. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What’s the best way to make homemade pesto for this recipe?

A simple homemade pesto combines fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend everything in a food processor until smooth. This fresh pesto will elevate the flavors of your creamy pesto chicken tortellini bake.

Next Up in Your Queue

• Looking for a lighter, veggie-packed meal? Try Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken Zucchini Rounds for a quick, healthy option bursting with flavor.
• If pasta is your passion, don’t miss the creamy and cheesy Spinach Parmesan Pasta With Chicken – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Before You Go

Remember, the beauty of this Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini Bake lies in its simplicity and bold flavors. It’s a dish that brings people together over a warm, satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe hits all the right notes — creamy, cheesy, herby, and utterly comforting. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil to brighten every bite. Now, grab your skillet and baking dish and get started on this delicious journey!

This recipe blends the best of Italian-inspired comfort food with the ease of a one-dish meal. From the first forkful of cheesy tortellini to the last melt-in-your-mouth bite of chicken and pesto, you’ll understand why this Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini Bake quickly becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

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