Succulent Blackened Chicken Recipe with Tangy Pesto Sauce
Are you tired of serving the same boring chicken and pasta dish at dinner parties? Are you looking for a recipe that will impress your guests without causing you too much stress in the kitchen? Look no further than my blackened chicken with basil pesto and tortellini recipe.
This dish combines juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts with creamy pesto pasta and tender cheese tortellini for a burst of flavors in your mouth. The blackened spices give the chicken an extra kick, while the fresh basil pesto adds a touch of herbal freshness. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for entertaining.
I guarantee that this recipe will be a hit at your next gathering, so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that will impress your dinner guests without requiring hours of preparation? Then get ready to fall in love with this delicious blackened chicken with basil pesto and tortellini dish.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – it’s perfect for a cozy date night in or a lively party with friends. The juicy and tender boneless, skinless chicken breast is cooked to perfection and smothered in creamy basil pesto sauce that adds an extra burst of flavor. The cheese-filled tortellini complements the chicken perfectly, making every bite taste like heaven.
What’s more, this recipe only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen so you don’t have to break the bank while still making your guests happy. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the world of cooking, this recipe is sure to impress anyone you’re serving it to.
So whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party dish, this blackened chicken with basil pesto and tortellini is guaranteed to satisfy every taste bud. Try it now and see why it’s quickly becoming one of our favorite go-to recipes!
Ingredient List
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious and flavorful blackened chicken with basil pesto and tortellini recipe:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 lb cheese tortellini: Use your favorite brand or make your own.
- 1 ½ cups basil pesto: Homemade or store-bought. Get the best flavor by using high-quality pesto sauce.
- ½ cup Romano cheese: Grated.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 pound cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- black pepper, to taste
- salt, when necessary
Optional ingredients:
– Chicken broth or pasta water, if necessary, to thin out the sauce.
– Veggies such as asparagus or zucchini can be added to the dish for more variation.
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking!
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the exciting part of this recipe article, where I guide you through each step of creating your own blackened chicken with basil pesto and tortellini. Gather all your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- ½ cup of chicken broth
- 1 package of cheese tortellini (around 20 oz)
- 1 package of cherry tomatoes (about 8 oz)
- 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
- ⅓ cup of basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup of freshly grated Romano cheese
Step One: Preparing The Chicken
Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Add olive oil to the pan and place the seasoned chicken into it. Cook the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until it becomes tender.
Step Two: Making The Tortellini
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add tortellini pasta to the boiling water and cook for about five minutes until they become soft. Reserve around one cup of pasta water for later.
Step Three: Adding In The Veggies
Once done cooking, remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board to rest. In that same skillet, add garlic to it and saute until fragrant, which will take no more than one minute. Then pour in the chicken broth slowly while whisking it constantly. Add in cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves into the skillet and let them cook for about two minutes until the spinach has shrunken.
Step Four: Incorporating The Pasta And Pesto
Afterward, add cooked tortellini along with pesto sauce into the pan with tomato-espinach mixture. Mix everything thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin out pesto sauce.
Step Five: Serving The Dish
Slice your rested chicken breasts into strips then put it back into your skillet with pasta-tomato mixture. Heat everything together until all is hot as desired before transferring onto a serving platter. Sprinkle Romano cheese generously over pasta before serving.
Now you have in front an appealing combination of juicy blackened chicken, tender creamy tortellini, zesty Roma-no cheese, oily basil pesto mixed together in perfect ratios on plate; making up one helluva dish that everyone will love having!
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life, and that’s true for cooking too. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Here are some substitutions and variations to help you mix up this blackened chicken recipe:
1. Spice Level: If you want to turn up the heat, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Conversely, if spicy food isn’t your thing, skip those ingredients altogether.
2. Protein Substitutes: While this recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, feel free to substitute with other proteins such as shrimp, tofu, or fish fillets.
3. Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply swap out the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant or bell peppers.
4. Pesto Variations: You can use any type of pesto you like in this recipe. Try it with sun-dried tomato pesto or even avocado pesto.
5. Tortellini Substitutes: For a gluten-free option, replace the cheese tortellini with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
6. Cheese Options: Instead of romano cheese and parmesan cheese, you can try using feta cheese or even goat cheese for a tangy twist.
7. Veggie Addition: This recipe tastes great with veggies like cherry tomatoes and spinach but also consider adding in veggies like asparagus or broccoli which cook quickly and add a fresh component to the dish.
Remember that these are just suggestions, so feel free to get creative and adapt this recipe to your liking!
Serving and Pairing
Looking for the perfect meal to impress your friends and loved ones? Look no further than this delectable blackened chicken with basil pesto and tortellini recipe. The combination of succulent blackened chicken and creamy pesto tortellini makes for a truly mouth-watering dish that is as impressive as it is delicious.
To truly make this meal a show-stopper, pair it with a bold, full-bodied red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The robust flavors of the wine will beautifully balance the richness of the dish, leaving your palate satisfied and your guests raving.
For those looking for a non-alcoholic option, consider serving this dish with a simple sparkling water garnished with fresh lemon or lime. Not only will this refresh your taste buds between bites, but it will also perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.
Finally, don’t forget to top off your meal with a light and refreshing dessert to cleanse the palate. Consider serving fresh berries or sliced stone fruits drizzled with a balsamic reduction for an elegant finishing touch to this unforgettable meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Let me tell you a secret: This blackened chicken with basil pesto and tortellini recipe reheats like an absolute dream. It is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights when you have limited time to cook. You can make the dish ahead of time, store it in an airtight container, and reheat it whenever you are ready to eat.
If you want to make this dish in advance, be sure to cook the tortellini as per the instructions on the package but only until it is al dente. Overcooking the tortellini might turn it mushy during reheating. Store the chicken pesto and tortellini separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to keep it moist and microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through or put everything in a skillet and stir occasionally over low-medium heat.
If you made this recipe as part of meal prep and already have noodles and chicken prepped, once cooked, they can be refrigerated separately until ready to serve. Warm up ingredients prior to serving.
The beauty of this dish is that you can also freeze it for up to one month if stored correctly using air-tight containers or freezer bags. To reheat from frozen, transfer to refrigerator overnight to defrost slowly, then reheat.
Please note that reheating chicken needs specific instructions as overcooked chicken dries out easily, making it unappetizing. However, this recipe avoids dry meat due to the juicy pesto sauce.
You’ll appreciate these storing tips because they help save time during busy hours and limiting waste by not throwing good food away by being able to store them correctly!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’re ready to make some mouth-watering blackened chicken with basil pesto and tortellini, let me give you some tips for achieving perfect results every time.
Firstly, make sure to season your chicken generously with salt and black pepper before cooking. The spices will penetrate the meat and enhance its flavor.
When searing the chicken, use a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution. Take care not to overcrowd the pan, as crowding can result in uneven cooking.
If you prefer a creamier pasta dish, add a splash of heavy cream to your basil pesto sauce while it is simmering. This will create a deliciously velvety texture and balance out the flavors.
When boiling the tortellini, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the water to prevent them from sticking together. Cook them until they are al dente, which means they should be firm to the bite but not hard or mushy.
For added texture and nutrients, you can toss in some veggies like sautéed asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or even spinach to your pasta dish.
Finally, garnish your dish with freshly grated Romano cheese or Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to elevate this recipe to restaurant-quality and impress your dinner guests with your culinary skills.
Bottom Line
Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed this recipe article on Blackened Chicken with Basil Pesto & Tortellini. I wanted to share this recipe because it’s a tasty and easy pasta dish that is sure to impress your dinner guests. The pesto and cheese tortellini combined with the blackened chicken makes for a symphony of flavors in your mouth.
As you read through the steps, you probably noticed that this recipe is not difficult to follow, and anyone can make it at home. The best part about this dish is that it allows for substitutions and variations to make it your own. You can swap out the veggies and put your own twist on it.
Now that you’ve seen how easy it is to prepare Blackened Chicken with Basil Pesto & Tortellini, there’s no excuse not to get in the kitchen and give it a try for yourself. This dish pairs perfectly with a refreshing salad, iced tea or sparkling wine for those special evening gatherings.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to impress family, friends, or dinner guests easily. So go ahead, gather up the ingredients and start cooking! Trust me; you won’t be disappointed with the results.
In conclusion, I’d like to thank you for taking the time out to read my article, which has hopefully inspired you to cook something amazing tonight. Feel free to experiment with the recipe, making it your own in every way possible. And most importantly – enjoy your meal!
Blackened Chicken With Basil Pesto & Tortellini. Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 ounces basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons Cajun blackened spice mix
- 14 ounces frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons romano cheese, grated
Instructions
- Take (2) Boned & Skinned Chicken Breasts and rub in Cajun Blackening Spice, place in a lightly oiled 9x9 inch glass baking pan. Bake in Oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from the oven, brush Basil Pesto on both sides and return to oven. Continue cooking for another 15 to 20 minutes based upon thickness of the breasts.
- Preparing the Tortellini:
- We used frozen and just followed the directions of placing in Boiling water, reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes. Drain water, return Tortellini to the pan. Add in 4 ounces of Jarred Basil Pesto (in the summer we grow our own Basil) and grated Romano cheese.
- The first bite will surprise you ! Enjoy !
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!