Creamy Pesto Tortellini Skillet (Print Version)

Tender tortellini with rotisserie chicken in rich basil pesto cream sauce, ready in 25 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Protein

01 - 1 (20 oz) package shelf-stable cheese tortellini
02 - 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (skin and bones removed)

→ Sauce

03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

→ Vegetables & Garnish

08 - 2 cups baby spinach
09 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
10 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - 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.
02 - 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.
03 - Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked tortellini to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
04 - 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.
05 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Dinner comes together in under 30 minutes using just one pan
  • The creamy pesto sauce clings to every piece of tortellini
  • Rotisserie chicken does all the heavy lifting for you
02 -
  • The sauce will thicken as it stands off the heat, so don't panic if it looks a little loose at first
  • Salt your pasta water generously since the tortellini itself isn't heavily seasoned
  • If the sauce breaks, whisk in a splash of cold cream and it'll come back together
03 -
  • Grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture
  • Don't let the cream come to a rolling boil or it might separate
  • Add the spinach at the very last minute so it keeps some texture
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