Oh, friends! I’m absolutely bubbling with excitement to share this scrumptious recipe for Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad. Trust me, once you taste this dish, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved staple in my kitchen. Not only is it comforting, but it’s also a great way to pack in some veggies along with a hint of gourmet flair thanks to that delicious balsamic drizzle!
I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish. I was hosting a little dinner party, and let me tell you, I was feeling the pressure. I wanted something that would impress but didn’t require me to spend half the evening chained to the stove. As I tossed this salad together, the aroma of garlic and balsamic filled the kitchen, and it felt like a cozy hug. By the end of the night, my friends were raving about it and asking for seconds. The best part? It all came together in under 30 minutes! Let’s dive into what makes this dish so fantastic.
What’s in Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad?
Chicken breast: I use about 1 lb (or 450g) of diced chicken breast. It’s lean protein that’s versatile and soaks up all the fabulous flavors of the dish. You can use leftover chicken to save time!
Cheese tortellini: Two cups of cheese tortellini—my absolute favorite! Fresh or frozen, either works beautifully. Sometimes, I opt for spinach tortellini to sneak in a little extra color and nutrition.
Cherry tomatoes: One cup of halved cherry tomatoes adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color that brightens up the dish. They are totally picture-perfect, aren’t they?
Asparagus: A cup of asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces brings a delightful crunch and beautiful green hue. If asparagus isn’t your jam, feel free to swap it for another veggie like bell peppers or zucchini!
Shredded carrots: One cup of shredded carrots not only adds nutrition but also gives the salad a lovely texture and sweetness. I love using pre-shredded carrots to keep things quick and easy.
Olive oil: Just 2 tablespoons of olive oil is all you need to get that chicken sizzling. It’s a healthy fat that enhances the richness of the dish.
Balsamic vinegar: We’re adding in 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for that tangy kick that balances perfectly with the savory chicken.
Garlic powder: A teaspoon of garlic powder infuses the whole dish with that delightful garlic flavor without any chopping!
Italian seasoning: A ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning brings a touch of herbiness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Salt and pepper: To taste, of course! These staples will elevate the dish to perfection.
Fresh basil leaves: Optional, but I highly recommend using fresh basil as a garnish. It adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that makes this dish a showstopper.
Is Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health. This salad is packed with nutrition while still being downright delicious! The combination of lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the veggies, and carbohydrates from the tortellini makes for a well-rounded meal.
Chicken breast: is low in fat and high in protein—perfect for keeping you full and satisfied!
Asparagus: is not just pretty; it’s also rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber.
Carrots: are a great source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.
That said, if you’re watching your carbs, you might consider using a low-carb tortellini alternative or even substituting the tortellini altogether with zucchini noodles (zoodles)!
Ingredients
– 1 lb (about 450g) chicken breast, diced
– 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
This recipe serves about 4, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week!
How to Make Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad?
1. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. (You know the drill!)
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Jazz it up! Add the asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and shredded carrots to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Pour the balsamic vinegar over the chicken and veggies, stirring to combine and heat through for another minute.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the cooked tortellini until well mixed.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy every last bite!
Make It Your Own!
Here’s the fun part—don’t hesitate to get creative! You could easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or even grill some veggies to toss in if you’re feeling adventurous. Adding nuts like pine nuts or walnuts will give you a lovely crunch, too! And if you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that still gives you that homemade flavor.
I really hope you give this recipe a try. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for impressing guests—or just treating yourself! I’d love to hear how it goes; so don’t forget to share your experiences and any twists you put on it! Happy cooking, my friends!
