Description
A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs sautéed with sun-dried and cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and cheesy tortellini, all brought together with vibrant basil pesto and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Vegetables and Pasta
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Sauce and Garnish
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken thighs, seasoning with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.
- Simmer Tortellini: Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender and heated through.
- Add Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Drizzle with basil pesto and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir once more.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for a minute. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Fresh pesto will provide a brighter flavor, but store-bought pesto works well for convenience.
- Adjust salt and seasoning according to your taste preference, especially depending on the saltiness of the chicken broth used.
- For added texture, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts complements the pesto flavors nicely.
- Use fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini for best results; frozen may require extra cooking time.
