Pesto Chicken Tortellini with Parmesan Cream is a heavenly Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines the rich, nutty flavor of basil pesto, tender bites of seasoned chicken, and cheesy tortellini — all enveloped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.

It’s indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of the fragrant pesto and velvety cream sauce creates a harmony of flavors that’s absolutely irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it has the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The tender, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with the soft tortellini and the creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce, while the pesto adds that unmistakable burst of freshness from basil and pine nuts.

It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re dining at a cozy Italian trattoria — but it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You should absolutely try this dish because:

It’s quick and easy yet tastes restaurant-quality.
The creamy pesto-Parmesan sauce is addictive.
Great for using store-bought or homemade pesto.
Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.
Customizable with vegetables or different proteins.

This is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings & Calories

Servings: 4
Calories: ~560 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Tortellini:

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips or cubes)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 (9 oz / 250 g) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup prepared basil pesto
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat

For Garnish:

Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Cracked black pepper

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook tortellini; drain and set aside.
Cook seasoned chicken until golden.
Prepare creamy Parmesan sauce.
Add pesto and tortellini; toss everything together.
Serve hot with extra Parmesan and herbs.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken to skillet and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Pesto

Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Add pesto and whisk to combine.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add cooked chicken and tortellini into the sauce.
Toss gently to coat evenly in the creamy pesto-Parmesan sauce.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to plates or bowls.
Top with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of pesto, and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

How to Serve

Serve hot, straight from the skillet or in warm pasta bowls.
Pair with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
A crisp Caesar salad or glass of white wine complements it perfectly.
Garnish with lemon zest for a fresh touch.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth texture.
Don’t overcook tortellini — it continues to soften in the sauce.
For extra flavor, brown the chicken well before removing from skillet.
Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and taste.

Variations

Vegetarian: Skip chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
Spicy: Add red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Seafood: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops.
Low-fat: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nut-Free: Use nut-free pesto or make your own without pine nuts.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:

Not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce, but possible.
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove with a bit of cream.

Special Equipment Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan
Pot for boiling pasta
Whisk
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cheese grater

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! Store-bought pesto works great, but homemade basil pesto gives fresher flavor.

Q2: Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely — just boil a few extra minutes according to the package.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, then combine with freshly cooked tortellini before serving.

Q4: Can I substitute the cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Q5: How can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream for the sauce and dairy-free cheese and pesto.

Conclusion

Pesto Chicken Tortellini with Parmesan Cream is a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that captures the soul of Italian cooking — rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. With tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a luxurious Parmesan-pesto sauce, this meal is guaranteed to impress every time.

It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for guests, and its comforting aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness.