Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4)

Protein & base:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed (you love high-protein!)
9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini (use GF tortellini—you love gluten-free!)
1 tbsp olive oil

Veggies:

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach or arugula
1 zucchini, sliced
1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Creamy pesto sauce:

½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade—you love fresh herbs!)
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)
Salt & black pepper to taste

Garnish:

Extra Parmesan
Fresh basil leaves
Red pepper flakes (optional—you love spicy!)

Instructions

1. Sear chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5–6 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté veggies:

In same skillet, add bell pepper and zucchini; cook 3–4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in cherry tomatoes; cook 2 minutes more.

3. Cook tortellini:

Add broth and uncooked tortellini. Bring to simmer; cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tortellini is tender and liquid reduces slightly.

4. Finish sauce:

Stir in pesto, cream, Parmesan, and cooked chicken. Simmer 2–3 minutes until creamy. Fold in spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve:

Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Use refrigerated tortellini—cooks faster than dried.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the pan—ensures even browning on chicken.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use low-sodium broth + reduced-sodium cheese
→ Boost umami with extra garlic and fresh basil
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally low-glycemic—no added sugars!
→ Net carbs: 32g/serving
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Swap tortellini for cauliflower gnocchi or hearts of palm pasta
→ Increase veggies; reduce tortellini to 4 oz
→ Net carbs drop to 10g/serving
✅ Make ahead:
→ Keeps 3 days refrigerated (sauce may thicken—add splash of broth when reheating)

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: 3 days | Freezer: Not recommended (tortellini softens)
→ Serving ideas:
→ As a standalone weeknight dinner
→ With a side salad for balance
→ For meal prep—portion into containers

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):