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Before diving into the crafting of your Creamy Chicken Pesto Baked Tortellini, let's quickly recap the essential ingredients that will make this dish a delightful experience:

Creamy Chicken Pesto Baked Tortellini

Discover the comforting delight of Creamy Chicken Pesto Baked Tortellini, a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table. This recipe unites tender tortellini, juicy chicken, and a rich pesto cream sauce, all baked to perfection. It's perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare, this dish offers a creamy, cheesy experience that everyone will love. Get ready to impress with this delightful culinary creation!

Ingredients
  

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded

1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. If you’re using raw chicken breast, cook it in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side), then shred. If you're using pre-cooked chicken, simply add it to the skillet with the garlic.

        Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, shredded chicken, basil pesto, heavy cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

          Add the Tomatoes: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes into the mixture.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the tortellini mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (or similar size) baking dish. Spread it evenly.

              Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

                Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                  Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve warm.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 6 servings