Quick & Easy 15-Minute Pesto Tortellini with Chicken & Broccoli (One-Pot Wonder!)

Discover the ultimate weeknight hero: Super EASY Pesto with Tortellini, crafted with just a few basic ingredients in a remarkable 15 minutes! Bid farewell to bland, time-consuming dinners and welcome a vibrant, fresh, and incredibly satisfying meal that your entire family will adore. This recipe proves that busy weeknight meals can indeed be delicious, nutritious, and stress-free.

This beloved pesto tortellini recipe has been a cornerstone of our family’s busy meal rotation for over a decade, and I’m thrilled to share an updated, even more user-friendly version with you! While the core flavors remain just as irresistible, I’ve refined the instructions and made the addition of chicken entirely optional, ensuring it fits a wider range of dietary preferences and pantry staples.

At its heart, this dish is a celebration of three simple yet powerful ingredients: creamy tortellini, vibrant pesto, and tender-crisp broccoli. It’s a truly versatile “al pesto pasta” that comes together with incredible ease. Allow me to guide you through crafting this speedy, delectable meal and reveal how effortlessly you can adapt it to your family’s tastes and what you have on hand.

It might seem too simple to be called a ‘recipe,’ but sometimes the best meals are born from the simplest ideas. I originally stumbled upon this combination over ten years ago by simply throwing together ingredients I had in my kitchen. To my delight, it quickly became an instant family favorite! My kids, then as now, couldn’t get enough of this flavorful pesto tortellini. Its enduring appeal lies in its straightforward preparation and universally loved taste. 🤩

Whether you opt for a high-quality store-bought pesto sauce or prefer to whip up a batch of homemade pesto, remember that the pesto is undeniably the ‘star of the show’ here. Choosing a pesto that you genuinely enjoy will make all the difference, elevating this quick dish from good to absolutely fantastic. This focus on a few quality ingredients is what makes this meal so special and so easy to perfect.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pesto Tortellini Recipe

When searching for a new weeknight dinner, you want something that’s not only delicious but also convenient and universally appealing. This pesto tortellini with chicken and broccoli checks all those boxes and more. Here’s why this recipe is destined to become a beloved staple in your home:

• Quick and Easy Recipe: This isn’t just a quick meal; it’s a culinary lifesaver! Imagine a flavorful, fresh dinner on the table in minutes, perfect for those chaotic weeknights. Your children will be so smitten with the creamy, herby goodness that they’ll be requesting it on repeat. If you’ve been on the hunt for a new, easy dinner recipe bursting with fresh flavor, your search ends here. Its simplicity makes it approachable for even novice cooks, and its speed is unbeatable.
• 15-Minute Meal: The promise of a 15-minute meal is often met with skepticism, but this recipe truly delivers. The secret lies in the quick-cooking nature of tortellini and broccoli. Believe it or not, this remarkably short timeframe includes the initial step of bringing your water to a boil. From start to finish, you’re looking at minimal kitchen time, freeing you up to enjoy your evening.
• One-Pot Wonder: As a busy home cook, finding recipes that minimize cleanup is a true blessing. This pesto tortellini is my absolute number one “one-pot wonder” meal. By utilizing just a single large pot, you drastically cut down on both cooking time and the mountain of dirty dishes typically associated with dinner preparation. It’s efficiency at its best, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze. 😅
• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need exotic items or a specialized grocery store for this dish. Fresh tortellini, your favorite pesto, and broccoli florets are readily available in most major grocery stores. Look for frozen tortellini in the freezer aisle for an even quicker option, or check the refrigerated pasta section. For those who enjoy making their own homemade basil pesto, fresh basil and garlic can be found in the produce section, often near other fresh herbs.
• Incredibly Versatile Recipe: This dish is a chameleon in the kitchen, easily adapting to whatever you have on hand or your family’s current cravings. Serve it as a delicious vegetarian meal, or elevate it with added protein like shredded chicken, flavorful leftover roasted chicken, or flaky salmon. The possibilities don’t end there – transform any leftovers into a refreshing cold pasta salad, perfect for a packed lunch or a simple side dish the following night.
• Kid-Approved and Family Favorite: Few things bring more joy than a meal that every member of the family genuinely enjoys. This simple pasta recipe has been a consistent kid favorite for years, making mealtime battles a thing of the past. In fact, my entire family loves this dish so much that I often double the recipe now, ensuring there’s always enough for delicious leftovers!

Dietitian Tip for Family Meals

As a dietitian, I understand the challenges of providing diverse, nutritious meals for busy families. Often, we simply don’t have the time to prepare an array of side dishes to offer our kids a variety of foods. This is precisely where efficient ‘one-pot meals’ like this pesto tortellini become incredibly valuable. They allow you to incorporate essential food groups, like whole grains, vegetables, and protein (if adding chicken), into a single, cohesive, and appealing dish. It’s a clever way to ensure a balanced meal without the extra effort.

Engaging your children in mealtime decisions can significantly increase their willingness to try new foods and enjoy what’s served. If your kids enjoy having a say in dinner, consider offering a small, controlled choice. For instance, ask whether they would like to sprinkle parmesan cheese on their pesto pasta themselves. This small act of involvement gives them a sense of control over their meal without overwhelming them with too many options. This simple strategy can turn a regular dinner into a more interactive and enjoyable experience.

Remember, sometimes it just takes one small, thoughtful step—whether it’s adding a burst of color with fresh herbs or letting a child add a final touch—to make a meal seem that much more special and increase its appeal for the whole family. 😍

Easy Recipe Modifications and Variations

One of the best aspects of this pesto tortellini recipe is its incredible adaptability. It serves as a fantastic base for countless variations, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences, what’s in season, or simply what you have in your pantry. Here are a few straightforward ideas to change this recipe up:

• Boost Your Greens: For an extra dose of nutrients and vibrant color, toss in a few handfuls of fresh spinach leaves when you add the broccoli. The residual heat from the pasta will quickly wilt the spinach into a tender, integrated part of the dish. Alternatively, you can completely substitute spinach for broccoli if preferred.
• Add a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, stir in a pinch or two of red pepper flakes along with the pesto. This will infuse a subtle warmth that beautifully complements the rich, herbaceous flavors of the pesto.
• Incorporate More Veggies: This dish is incredibly forgiving and welcoming to additional vegetables. Consider tossing in thin carrot slices with the broccoli for added sweetness and crunch, or stir in halved cherry tomatoes or sautéed red bell pepper when you return everything to the pot to heat through. Other great options include zucchini, peas, or even asparagus.
• Embrace Mediterranean Flavors: To transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean, add sun-dried tomatoes (either oil-packed or rehydrated) and/or a handful of sliced black or Kalamata olives. These ingredients introduce a wonderful tangy, savory depth.
• Boost Protein with Ease: While delicious on its own, this pesto tortellini pairs beautifully with added protein. Stir in pre-cooked shredded chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or flaked pesto salmon. Cooked shrimp or cannellini beans are also excellent additions for a protein-rich meal.
• Enhance Basil Aroma: For an even more intense basil flavor and a lovely visual touch, garnish individual servings with fresh basil leaves, either torn or finely chopped, just before serving. The fresh aroma truly makes a difference.
• Add Texture and Nutty Flavor: For a delightful crunch and an additional layer of rich, nutty flavor, mix in toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or even slivered almonds. Lightly toasting them beforehand will bring out their best flavor.
• Creamier Texture: If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese, a splash of heavy cream, or some reserved pasta water along with the pesto.

Key Ingredient Notes and Selection Tips

The success of this simple pesto tortellini recipe hinges on using quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selecting the best components for your meal:

• Tortellini: The star pasta of our dish! I particularly enjoy using fresh tortellini, especially spinach tortellini from places like Trader Joe’s, for its delightful color and subtle flavor. However, classic cheese tortellini or even meat-filled tortellini will work just as wonderfully. Fresh tortellini cooks incredibly fast, often in just 2-3 minutes, making it ideal for a quick meal. Frozen tortellini is also an excellent option; just remember it might require a few extra minutes of cooking time. Always refer to your package instructions for the best results.
• Pesto: As mentioned, the pesto is paramount! You have the flexibility to use either high-quality store-bought pesto sauce or to make your own. Homemade pesto, especially if made without pine nuts for a more budget-friendly or allergen-friendly option, offers a wonderfully vibrant green color and a fresher, often less oily flavor. If I’m reaching for store-bought, I often opt for brands like Genova Pesto or Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto for their excellent taste and consistency. Choose a pesto whose flavor profile you truly love, as it will define the dish.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are key here, adding a fantastic pop of bright green color, a pleasant texture contrast to the soft tortellini, and a wealth of nutritional benefits. Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable, an excellent source of dietary fiber, and boasts a high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli; if using frozen, add it directly to the boiling pasta water as per the recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is added for that quintessential Italian flavor and a touch of savory richness. A little goes a long way in enhancing the overall taste of the dish. For the best flavor, choose a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Chicken (optional): For those seeking a heartier meal with an added protein boost, cooked chicken is a fantastic addition. It transforms this dish into a more complete, balanced meal. I make it a point to always keep cooked shredded chicken or leftover Dutch oven chicken on hand specifically for quick and easy meals like this. The savory flavors from leftover Italian chicken would also taste absolutely fantastic in this pesto tortellini.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pesto with Tortellini

Get ready to make one of the quickest and most delicious pasta dishes you’ve ever experienced! This pesto tortellini recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here is a very brief overview of how to bring this vibrant meal to life. For a full, detailed list of ingredients and complete, precise instructions, please scroll down to the printable recipe card below.

1. Boil the Tortellini: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add your chosen tortellini and cook it according to the package instructions. Fresh tortellini typically only needs about 2-3 minutes to reach a perfect ‘al dente’ texture, meaning it’s cooked through but still pleasantly firm.
2. Add the Broccoli: For the last minute of the tortellini’s cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly to the pot with the pasta. This ensures the broccoli is cooked to a tender-crisp perfection without becoming mushy.
3. Drain and Return: Promptly drain the tortellini and broccoli using a colander. Immediately return the combined pasta and vegetables to the same large pot. Reduce the stovetop heat to medium.
4. Stir in Pesto & Heat: Add your pesto sauce to the pot with the tortellini and broccoli. If you’re including cooked chicken, add it now as well. Stir everything together gently until the pesto evenly coats the pasta and vegetables, and the entire dish is heated through. This usually takes just a couple of minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick, flavorful meal!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Pesto Tortellini Every Time

Achieving a restaurant-quality pesto tortellini at home is easier than you think, especially with these helpful hints. Pay attention to these details, and your 15-minute meal will be a resounding success:

• Cook Tortellini to Al Dente: The term “al dente” is crucial for pasta, meaning “to the tooth.” Your tortellini should be tender when bitten but still have a slight firmness or chew. This texture is ideal because it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce and helps it hold its shape beautifully.
• Don’t Overcook: Tortellini, particularly the fresh variety, cooks remarkably quickly. Keep a close eye on it and stick to the package instructions to avoid overcooking. Overcooked tortellini can become soft and lose its satisfying bite. Similarly, only add the broccoli for the final minute; if you add it too soon, it will become overly soft and lose its vibrant green color.
• Choose Your Pesto Wisely: The flavor of this meal is heavily dependent on the quality and taste of your pesto. Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought, select a pesto that you know your family genuinely enjoys. A good pesto will elevate the entire dish, while a less flavorful one might leave it lacking.
• Consider Tortellini Type: Different types of tortellini (e.g., fresh, frozen, spinach, cheese, meat) can have varying cooking times and slightly different flavor profiles. Always consult the specific package instructions for the best results and to understand any subtle flavor nuances they might impart.
• Adjust Pesto Consistency & Flavor: If you find you don’t have quite enough pesto, or if you simply prefer a milder pesto flavor, you can easily thin out the sauce. A small amount of chicken or vegetable broth, a drizzle of good quality olive oil, or even a quarter cup of the starchy pasta water (reserved before draining) can help extend your pesto and achieve a smoother, lighter consistency without sacrificing taste.
• Make it Vegetarian: This recipe is incredibly adaptable for a meat-free meal. Simply omit the chicken entirely, and you have a delicious and satisfying vegetarian pesto tortellini dish. You can even add some cannellini beans or toasted nuts for extra plant-based protein.
• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover pesto tortellini should be allowed to cool completely to room temperature before being transferred to an airtight container. It can then be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
• Serving Leftovers: Leftover pesto tortellini is versatile! It can be gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave for another hot meal. Many also enjoy it cold, straight from the fridge, as a delicious pasta salad – perfect for packed lunches or a refreshing summer side.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pesto Tortellini

Related Quick & Easy Pasta Recipes

If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this pesto tortellini, you’re in luck! Here are more delicious and easy pasta recipes to add to your rotation:

• Orzo with Broccoli: Another fantastic, quick vegetarian side or light meal.
• Margherita Flatbread Pizza: Not pasta, but a speedy Italian-inspired meal.
• Pistachio Pesto: Elevate your pesto game with this unique and flavorful twist.
• Creamy Salmon Pasta: A rich and satisfying pasta dish that comes together quickly.

More Speedy & Satisfying Pasta Creations

Looking for even more pasta inspiration that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night? Explore these additional family-friendly pasta recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to casual weekend meals.

15-Minute Pesto with Tortellini

Kristi