One-Pan Pesto Chicken, Tortellini, and Veggies That Makes Spring Dinners Effortless

Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by Chef Josie

When the weather starts to warm and the days grow longer, most of us naturally crave meals that feel lighter, fresher, and brighter. Comfort food still has its place, but spring dinners often call for something that energizes instead of weighing you down. That is exactly why this One-Pan Pesto Chicken, Tortellini, and Veggies has become one of my go to spring meals. It is vibrant, quick, nourishing, and filled with the colorful produce that makes spring cooking so satisfying.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in basil pesto, lightly toasted tortellini soaking up all the fragrant sauce, and garden fresh vegetables like asparagus and cherry tomatoes cooked just until crisp tender. Everything comes together in a single skillet, creating a dish that looks restaurant worthy but takes minimal effort. It is a meal that brings together the convenience of a one pan dinner with the beauty and brightness of seasonal spring food.

The first time I made this recipe was on a busy weekday in early April. Time was short, energy was low, and I wanted a dinner that tasted like a breath of fresh air without requiring complicated prep. As soon as the colors hit the pan bright greens, reds, yellows and the pesto filled the kitchen with its herbal aroma, I knew this dish was something special. My family devoured it that night, and it has been in our rotation ever since.

If you are looking for easy spring meals, kid friendly dinners, or simply a fresh twist on pasta night, this One-Pan Pesto Chicken, Tortellini, and Veggies delivers every time.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Pesto Chicken, Tortellini, and Veggies

• One pan means minimal cleanup, perfect for busy spring evenings.
• Packed with fresh seasonal vegetables, making it ideal for spring food ideas.
• Quick cooking, with everything ready in under 30 minutes.
• Balanced and nourishing, combining protein, pasta, and veggies.
• Kid friendly, thanks to the creamy, familiar flavor of pesto and tortellini.
• Customizable, allowing you to use whatever spring vegetables you have on hand.
• Great for leftovers, reheating beautifully for lunch the next day.
• Perfect for spring pasta dishes, offering a lighter feel than winter comfort meals.
• Versatile enough for weekdays or casual entertaining, making it one of the best easy spring dinner recipes.
• Beautiful colors and presentation, so it looks as good as it tastes.

This skillet embodies everything people love about spring cooking fresh, quick, vibrant, and satisfying.

Ingredient Breakdown

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the layered flavor and seasonal freshness of this dish.

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts both work well.
Thighs stay juicier, but breasts are leaner.

Cheese Tortellini

Fresh refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly and absorbs the pesto beautifully.
Spinach or three cheese varieties both pair well.

Pesto

The heart of the dish.
Use homemade if possible, or choose a high quality store bought pesto for the best flavor.

Asparagus

A spring superstar that brings bright green color and delicious crispness.
Snap off the woody ends before cooking.

Cherry Tomatoes

Add sweetness, acidity, and juicy texture.
A mix of red and yellow tomatoes creates a colorful dish.

Olive Oil

Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.

Garlic

Adds depth and complements the pesto.

Salt and Pepper

Simple seasoning that enhances the basil pesto without overpowering it.

Optional Add Ins

• Peas
• Zucchini
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Sun dried tomatoes
• Lemon zest
• Toasted pine nuts for crunch

These additions help adapt the dish for the full spectrum of spring food recipes.

How to Make One-Pan Pesto Chicken, Tortellini, and Veggies Step by Step

This is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is shockingly simple.

1. Prep your ingredients

Slice chicken into bite sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Trim asparagus and cut into pieces.
Wash and halve cherry tomatoes.

2. Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
Cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the tortellini

In the same skillet, add the tortellini with a splash of water.
Cover and steam cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until softened.

4. Add the asparagus

Sauté asparagus until crisp tender, about 3 minutes.

5. Add garlic

Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.

6. Add tomatoes

Toss tomatoes into the skillet and allow them to soften slightly.

7. Return chicken to the skillet

Add chicken back into the mixture.

8. Add pesto

Stir in pesto until everything is coated in a glossy, aromatic sauce.

9. Serve warm

Top with extra pesto or Parmesan if desired.

This method keeps everything in one pan, making it a hero for quick weeknight dinners and effortless spring dinner ideas easy.

Notes and Top Tips

• Cook the tortellini directly in the skillet to absorb extra flavor.
• Do not overcook the asparagus, or it will lose its crisp spring bite.
• Add tomatoes at the end so they remain juicy.
• Use store bought pesto for speed, but upgrade the flavor with fresh basil or lemon zest.
• Make it creamy by adding a spoonful of heavy cream or ricotta at the end.
• Make it dairy free by using dairy free pesto and dairy free tortellini.
• Keep chicken pieces similar in size for even cooking.
• Add a squeeze of lemon, which brightens the whole dish.

These small tips help this simple skillet taste like a well crafted restaurant dish.

Serving Suggestions

This meal is filling, flavorful, and complete on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Spring mix with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted seasonal vegetables

Spring Friendly Additions

• Pea and mint salad
• Caprese salad
• Lemon roasted potatoes

Kid Friendly Sides

• Buttered noodles
• Breadsticks
• Fruit salad

Serve warm and enjoy the burst of pesto and spring vegetables in every bite.

Variations

This recipe adapts well depending on season and taste.

Creamy Pesto Tortellini Skillet

Add cream or mascarpone for a velvety sauce.

Veggie Lovers Spring Skillet

Add double the vegetables and skip the chicken.

Lemon Basil Spring Chicken

Add lemon zest and fresh basil for extra brightness.

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Version

Swap classic basil pesto for sun dried tomato pesto.

Asparagus and Pea Spring Pasta

Add fresh peas for extra color and sweetness.

Spring Spinach Pesto Chicken

Add a handful of spinach at the end to wilt into the dish.

These variations make the recipe perfect for both March dinner ideas and April dinner ideas.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Not recommended because tortellini and pesto lose texture.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
Microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out.

Make Ahead

You can prep ingredients in advance, but cook fresh for best texture.

Why You Will Make This Recipe Again

This One-Pan Pesto Chicken, Tortellini, and Veggies is the kind of meal that brings joy to springtime cooking. It is simple, colorful, fast, and deeply satisfying without feeling heavy. The pesto adds brightness, the vegetables capture the spirit of the season, and the tortellini creates a comforting base everyone loves. Whether you are feeding kids, hosting guests, or just wanting a quick but beautiful dinner, this dish never disappoints.

It is the perfect combination of ease and flavor, making it one of the best easy healthy dinner options for spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes. Thaw first or add a few extra minutes of cooking time.

2. Can I swap the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely. Try shrimp, sausage, or tofu.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables or white beans.

4. What other vegetables work well?
Zucchini, peas, broccoli, spinach, and mushrooms are all great options.

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