Best 7 Layered Tortellini Pesto Chicken Salad Recipes

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Layered tortellini pesto chicken salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It features layers of cooked tortellini, pesto sauce, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. This salad is packed with flavor and textures, and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The combination of the creamy pesto sauce, tender chicken, and chewy tortellini is simply irresistible. So, if you're looking for a new and exciting salad recipe, give this layered tortellini pesto chicken salad a try.

Let's cook with our recipes!

LAYERED TORTELLINI PESTO CHICKEN SALAD



Layered Tortellini Pesto Chicken Salad image

Loads of flavor in seven lovely layers!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Lunch

Time 2h40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
1 cup frozen sweet peas (from 1-lb bag)
5 cups torn romaine lettuce
1 1/2 cups julienne (matchstick-cut) carrots
2 cups chopped or strips grilled chicken
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into strips
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves

Steps:

  • Cook tortellini as directed on package, adding peas during last 4 minutes of cook time. Drain; rinse immediately with cold water. Pat with paper towels to remove moisture.
  • In 3- or 4-quart clear bowl, layer the lettuce, the carrots, chicken, peas, the tortellini, and bell pepper.
  • In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, pesto and buttermilk. Spread over peppers; sprinkle with parsley. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours until chilled or overnight. Stir just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 440 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g

PESTO TORTELLINI SALAD



Pesto Tortellini Salad image

"I came up with this recipe when I tried recreating a pasta salad I had at a wedding rehearsal," says Danielle Weets of Grandview, Washington. "It's easy to make and I'm always asked to bring it to potlucks and parties."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 package (19 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup prepared pesto

Steps:

  • Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a small bowl. Add remaining ingredients; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 376 calories, Fat 20g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 832mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

CHICKEN AND TORTELLINI PESTO SKILLET



Chicken and Tortellini Pesto Skillet image

A delicious chicken and tortellini pesto dinner that needs only one pan to create.

Provided by My Hot Southern Mess

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cubed
salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup prepared pesto
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup baby spinach
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 (16 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Saute until chicken is cooked through and has browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from skillet and transfer to a bowl; cover to keep warm. Set aside.
  • Deglaze pan with chicken broth over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in pesto and heavy cream. Cook until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Mix in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Add in spinach and tomatoes. Cook until spinach begins to wilt, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add tortellini and cooked chicken and continue cooking until bubbly and hot, 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 633.8 calories, Carbohydrate 38 g, Cholesterol 143.4 mg, Fat 34.5 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 43.5 g, SaturatedFat 14.1 g, Sodium 834.8 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

TORTELLINI PESTO SALAD



Tortellini Pesto Salad image

Wonderful pasta salad. So different from the Italian dressing pasta salads. Very hearty side dish or main dish for lunch. Crunchy veggies and rich pesto sauce.

Provided by Jenny Saunders

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (9 ounce) package cheese tortellini
1 small red bell pepper, julienned
¾ cup broccoli florets, blanched
⅓ cup shredded carrots
⅓ cup pitted green olives
1 clove garlic, chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup prepared basil pesto
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 bunch fresh spinach leaves

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place tortellini in the pot, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain, and cool.
  • In a large bowl, mix the cooked tortellini, red bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, olives, and garlic.
  • In a separate bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, pesto, milk, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and vinegar. Pour over the tortellini and vegetables, and gently toss to coat. Cover, and place in the refrigerator 1 hour, until chilled. Serve over spinach leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 382.8 calories, Carbohydrate 26.1 g, Cholesterol 31.3 mg, Fat 27.3 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 11.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 614.6 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

TORTELLINI, CHICKEN AND PESTO SALAD



TORTELLINI, CHICKEN AND PESTO SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Pasta

Yield 4 People

Number Of Ingredients 10

I lb. dried tortellini (double if using fresh). I select a simple filling like mushroom or cheese.
2-3 cups prepared chicken (this can be leftovers, rotisserie, or prepared grilled chicken. I used the latter)
1 1/2 cups fresh green beans (freshly blanched)
1 pint fresh cherry tomatoes (preferably a mixture of colors)
1/2 cup (or more) purchased or fresh pesto
1 and 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup freshly toasted walnuts or pine nuts
Salt and Pepper to taste
If the dish has to wait to be served, mix in 1 T. fresh lemon juice to help retain color.
If desired: garnish with fresh basil leaves and fresh cherry tomatoes.

Steps:

  • Preparation: 1) You may want to skip this step. I have found that I like to dry my cherry tomatoes a bit by placing them in a low heat oven-250 or so-for around an hour or more until the moisture is reduced. If the tomatoes are good this will concentrate their flavor and reduce the moisture. After the tomatoes are done you can toast the walnuts at 350. They should be done in ten minutes or so. Watch them closely. They should have a nice light crunch. 2) The next step is to blanch the green beans. I multi-task and use the same pot that I will boil the pasta. You will want them to still retain some crunch. I usually find this is about 4 minutes. Run them under cold water and set them aside so that they can dry off. I often toss them in a freezer while I am cooking the pasta. 3) Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but pull back a bit at the end. The pasta has to cool down and it will soften more as the salad mellows. 4) While the pasta is cooking prepare the chicken into small bite size chunks. 5) Mix the vegetables, chicken and pasta together. Mix the pesto and the mayonaise and lightly stir in the pasta mixture. Add the nuts. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more pesto and mayonnaise as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Best served within 24 hours.

CHICKEN AND TORTELLINI SALAD



Chicken and Tortellini Salad image

Enjoy this cheesy chicken and pasta salad - perfect for a hearty dinner.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 2h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (7 oz) dried cheese-filled tortellini
1/3 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups cut-up cooked chicken or turkey
3 cups bite-size pieces mixed greens
1 small bell pepper (any color), cut into 1/2-inch squares

Steps:

  • Cook tortellini as directed on package. Meanwhile, in container with tight-fitting lid, shake wine, tarragon, oil, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper until well mixed. Drain tortellini; rinse with cold water. In large bowl, combine tortellini and chicken. Add dressing and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Just before serving, add greens and bell pepper to tortellini mixture; toss to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 3 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 serving, Sodium 730 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g

CREAMY PESTO-PICCATA CHICKEN WITH TORTELLINI



Creamy Pesto-Piccata Chicken With Tortellini image

An easy, satisfying dish that makes a great week night supper or an elegant company dish. This is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, or pick up a rotisserie chicken on the way home from work. Pair it with a green salad and some crusty bread and you have a simple yet heavenly meal.

Provided by Alskann

Categories     Chicken

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups cooked chicken, diced (I use boneless, skinless breasts or pick up a rotisserie)
1 (9 ounce) package cheese tortellini
2 medium shallots, sliced thin
2 -3 tablespoons capers
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (to taste)
1 cup refrigerated pesto sauce (or you can use homemade)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 lemon, juice of, fresh
3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook your chicken if not already done. (I usually will sauté or poach a couple of large boneless, skinless chicken breasts.) Remove from pan and set aside. (Or you can use a purchased rotisserie chicken.).
  • Cook tortellini according to package directions. While pasta is cooking:.
  • Sauté sliced shallots over medium high heat until they start to brown, about 2-3 minutes. I just saute them with PAM cooking spray, but you can use whatever medium you prefer (oil, butter or even a little chicken broth). Add capers. Reduce heat to medium.
  • Return chicken to pan and continue cooking.
  • Add whipping cream and Dijon mustard; bring to a simmer and cook until it is slightly reduced; about 5 minutes. Add pesto sauce and mix well. Add lemon zest and juice. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer uncovered about 5-7 minutes more.
  • Combine the chicken sauce with the tortellini. Gently toss to mix well. Add the freshly shredded parmesan cheese.
  • Serve with a tossed green salad and crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 672.3, Fat 39.5, SaturatedFat 21.2, Cholesterol 203.6, Sodium 1036.9, Carbohydrate 35, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 1.3, Protein 44.1

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, vegetables, and cheese will give your salad the best flavor.
  • Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it until it is just cooked through, about 8 minutes per side.
  • Make your own pesto: It's easy to make and tastes much better than store-bought pesto.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: A combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and Asiago, will give your salad a more complex flavor.
  • Don't skip the dressing: The dressing is what brings all the flavors of the salad together. Make sure to use a good quality olive oil and vinegar.
  • Let the salad rest before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.

Conclusion:

This layered tortellini pesto chicken salad is a delicious and easy-to-make salad that is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. It's packed with flavor and nutrients, and it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy salad recipe, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!

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