Recipe Book Mixing up Culinary Classics with a Modern Twist
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This tortellini pesto salad is a fresh, vibrant dish loaded with cheesy tortellini, creamy pesto, and crisp veggies. Perfect as a side or a main with chicken. Try this quick and easy pasta chicken pesto salad today.
If you love pesto and pasta, you’re going to be obsessed with this tortellini pesto salad. It is creamy, fresh, and bursting with flavor. So if you are making it for a summer BBQ, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad hits the spot. You can even add chicken for a protein packed twist making it a fantastic pasta chicken pesto salad option. Plus we can remix it for a variety of pesto dishes, like pesto gnocchi recipe or pesto potato variations.
Pesto tortellini salad is a simple yet flavor packed dish that is perfect for any occasion. With tender, cheese filled tortellini coated in a rich, herby pesto sauce, every bite is creamy, fresh, and satisfying. It can be a quick lunch, a side for a BBQ, or a light dinner, it always hits the spot. You can toss it together in minutes using store bought pesto or take it up a notch with homemade sauce. The best part? It is easy to customize. Add grilled chicken for extra protein, throw in some fresh veggies for crunch, or keep it classic with just pasta and pesto. No matter how you make it, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
If you are a fan of soft, pillowy pasta, swap out the tortellini for gnocchi. These little potato dumplings soak up the pesto beautifully, creating a rich and comforting dish. You can use store bought gnocchi for convenience or make your own for an extra special touch. Serve it warm for a cozy meal or let it cool for a refreshing pesto gnocchi salad.
For a heartier twist, mix in baby potatoes instead of tortellini. Boil them until fork tender then toss them with pesto for a creamy, flavorful alternative to traditional potato salad. You can leave the skins on for extra texture or peel them for a smoother bite. This version pairs perfectly with grilled meats, making it a great side dish for summer cookouts.
A little crunch can take this salad to the next level. Toasted pine nuts add a buttery, nutty flavor, while sunflower seeds bring a slightly earthy bite. Sprinkle them on top just before serving for the best texture. If you want even more crunch, try adding crispy chickpeas or crushed almonds for a fun twist.
Don’t want to use gnocchi or Tortellini? This recipe will suit many other pasta varieties. Examples below.
Adding grilled chicken or shrimp to your tortellini pesto salad is a great way to boost protein while keeping the flavors balanced and fresh. Juicy, seasoned chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy pesto, making the dish more filling and satisfying. If you prefer seafood, grilled shrimp adds a slightly sweet and smoky contrast that complements the herbaceous sauce. Both options turn this salad into a hearty meal rather than just a side dish, perfect for lunch or dinner.
For even more texture and flavor, serve your pesto tortellini salad with a side of garlic bread or bruschetta. The crispy, golden edges of toasted bread are perfect for scooping up extra pesto and cheese, making sure none of that delicious sauce goes to waste.
If you’re looking for a lighter touch, try serving the salad over a bed of fresh greens like arugula or spinach. The peppery bite of arugula or the mild earthiness of spinach adds a refreshing contrast, making the dish feel bright and well-balanced.
Our recipe uses store bought pesto paste. But we have included a recipe below if you wish to make your own.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze in portions for later use. Enjoy your fresh pesto with pasta, salads, or as a dip.
This tortellini pesto salad is a quick, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re keeping it simple or turning it into a pasta chicken pesto salad, it is always a hit. Want more pesto inspired recipes? Try it with pesto gnocchi or pesto potato salad next.
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Craving a bold and tangy pasta dish. This Chicken Piccata Pasta recipe combines lemony piccata sauce with tender chicken and al dente pasta for a rich, satisfying meal. Learn how to make it step by step. Chicken Piccata Pasta is the perfect blend of bright …
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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the creamy, garlicky goodness of a Chicken Kiev. This classic dish, with its succulent chicken breast stuffed with garlic butter and herbs, is a favorite in many households. But what if you could take all those beloved flavors and combine them into a convenient, hearty pasta bake? Introducing the Cheesy Chicken and Zucchini Pasta Bake – a truly remixed recipe that captures the essence of Chicken Kiev in every bite.
Chicken Kiev is a classic dish that hails from Eastern Europe, often linked to Russian and Ukrainian cuisine. It’s known for its rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. The dish typically consists of a chicken breast that is pounded thin, rolled around a garlic and herb butter filling, and then coated in breadcrumbs. It is then fried or baked until golden. When cooked the butter inside melts creating a flavorful juicy center that spills out as you cut into it. Just writing about it makes me drool.
Traditionally served with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies, Chicken Kiev is a hearty meal with a delicious contrast of textures. We try to replicate these flavours and textures with our pasta bake.
What sets this Cheesy Chicken and Zucchini Pasta Bake apart is its ability to replicate the taste of Chicken Kiev while providing the comfort and ease of a pasta bake. Each bite offers a delightful mix of tender chicken chunks, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta. The addition of zucchini and leek not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory chicken and rich parmesan cheese.
One of the key components that makes Chicken Kiev so irresistible is the garlic butter filling. In this pasta bake, the same garlic and herb flavors are infused into the sauce creating a creamy base that coats the pasta and chicken. The garlic is sauteed with the leek allowing its aroma to fully develop before being mixed with the flour, milk, and cream. This method ensures that every forkful is packed with that signature garlic punch that Chicken Kiev lovers adore.
Another hallmark of Chicken Kiev is its crispy, buttery exterior. While this pasta bake doesn’t include a breaded coating, it does feature a delectable topping of breadcrumbs mixed with grated parmesan and fresh herbs. This topping is grilled to golden perfection, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath. It is this combination of textures that makes the dish so comforting and reminiscent of the original Chicken Kiev.
Despite its complex flavors, this Cheesy Chicken and Zucchini Pasta Bake is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can have a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to make. Start by cooking the pasta and zucchini together, then prepare the creamy sauce in the same pan used to cook the chicken. This not only saves time but also infuses the sauce with the savory juices left from the chicken, adding another layer of flavor.
This Chicken Kiev Pasta Bake is a true remix. A delightful fusion of classic Chicken Kiev flavors and the convenience of a pasta bake. Its creamy, garlicky sauce, tender chicken, and crispy topping make it a standout dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe offers a delicious and impressive meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. So, the next time you’re craving the comforting taste of Chicken Kiev, give this pasta bake a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Items recommended for this recipe.
Durable and Safe.
Crafted from lead-free ceramic material, fired at high temperatures, making it both durable and safe. It can withstand rapid temperature changes without shattering, allowing it to be used in the dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, and ovens up to 500°F/260°C.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu
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Discover the ultimate Mexican Pumpkin Pasta Bake recipe. This flavorful, vegetarian friendly dish combines pumpkin, pasta, and Mexican spices in a hearty casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. If you are a fan of vibrant flavors and hearty meals, you will love this Mexican Pumpkin Pasta Bake. It’s a unique creation that combines the rich, earthy taste of pumpkin with the bold, spicy notes of Mexican cuisine. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, im sure this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Our Mexican Pumpkin Pasta Bake is a celebration of flavors and textures. The creamy pumpkin sauce perfectly coats the penne pasta, while the black beans add a protein boost and a delightful contrast in textures. Sweet potatoes (yams) and bell peppers (capsicums) provide a burst of color and a hint of sweetness which balance the savory spices. Topped with a generous layer of cheese this bake becomes wonderfully gooey and satisfying.
Making this Mexican Pumpkin Pasta Bake vegan friendly is super easy and just as delicious. Swap out the traditional cheese for a plant based alternative like vegan cheddar or mozzarella, which melt beautifully in the oven. For the sour cream, go for a dairy free option like coconut yogurt, cashew cream, or store bought vegan sour cream. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even make your own by blending soaked cashews, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. These swaps ensure the dish stays creamy and flavorful while catering to plant based eaters.
The standout ingredient pumpkin, does not only add a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness, but it is also packed with nutrients. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber which make it a great addition to any meal. Combined with black beans which are an excellent source of plant based protein and fiber, this pasta bake is as nutritious as it is delicious.
This Mexican Pumpkin Pasta Bake is also a fantastic option for meal prep. It reheats beautifully thus making it an ideal choice for a make ahead meal. Prepare a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. The flavors even seem to get better as they meld together over time.
Pumpkin Pasta is very versatile and customizable. It is a total remixed recipe.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While it’s delicious as written, please dont hesitate to make it your own. You can add in other vegetables like zucchini or corn, or swap out the black beans for pinto or other beans. If you prefer a bit more heat like myself, add some diced jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the dish to your family’s tastes.
A good pumpkin pasta sauce is the secret to making this Mexican Pumpkin Pasta Bake extra creamy and flavorful. Start by sauteing diced onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil until soft and fragrant. Then stir in, vegetable broth, and a splash of plant-based or real milk for a smooth velvety texture. To bring in those bold Mexican flavors, add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. Let it simmer for a few minutes. If you want ultra smooth consistency, put the sauce through a blender. This sauce isnt just great for pasta bakes, it also works as a dip or a topping for roasted veggies.
The following will make about 6 ounces (3/4 cup) of chili con carne base, perfect for adding to your Mexican Pumpkin Pasta Bake or other recipes.
Or when making the Mexican Pumpkin Pasta Bake, add listed chili con carne ingredients to the pan along with the diced tomatoes and black beans. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer before adding the cooked pasta.
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