Description
This vibrant Tortellini and Veggies recipe combines tender chicken thighs, fresh asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes with flavorful basil pesto for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfectly cooked tortellini adds a hearty touch, making it an ideal 40-minute dinner that balances protein and fresh vegetables in one skillet.
Ingredients
Protein and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless and skinless, sliced into strips)
- Salt, to taste
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained of oil, chopped, divided)
- 1 lb asparagus (ends trimmed, cut in half)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (yellow and red, halved)
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup tortellini (uncooked)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken thighs seasoned with salt and 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 5-10 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally until fully cooked through.
- Remove Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Take the chicken and cooked sun-dried tomatoes out of the skillet, leaving the olive oil in the pan.
- Sauté Asparagus: Add the trimmed and halved asparagus to the skillet, season generously with salt, and add the remaining 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until asparagus is tender. Then remove asparagus to a serving plate.
- Cook Tortellini: Prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Reheat Chicken with Pesto: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add 1/4 cup of basil pesto and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cook on low-medium heat for 1-2 minutes just to warm through. Remove from heat.
- Combine Vegetables, Chicken, and Pasta: Add the cooked tortellini and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Stir gently to combine everything well. Add more basil pesto if desired for extra flavor.
- Final Seasoning and Assembly: Taste and season with additional salt if needed. Transfer the chicken, tortellini, and cherry tomato mixture onto the serving plate with the asparagus.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before removing from the skillet for food safety.
- If fresh basil pesto is unavailable, store-bought pesto works well too.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or skip protein altogether.
- The asparagus can be swapped for other green vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
- Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving enhances flavor.
- This dish pairs nicely with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian