Chicken Ravioli with Basil Pesto and Vegetables: The Ultimate Summer Dinner

Introduction

When it comes to quick, flavorful, and satisfying summer dinners, nothing beats a bowl of pasta loaded with fresh vegetables and herbs. This Chicken Ravioli with Basil Pesto and Vegetables is a perfect meal for warm evenings, offering a light yet filling dish that brings together the goodness of tender chicken, cheesy ravioli, and vibrant summer veggies.

This recipe is a delicious twist on traditional tortellini recipes, combining the heartiness of chicken ravioli, the freshness of basil pesto, and the umami kick from sun-dried tomatoes. If you love pesto chicken tortellini or chicken tortellini dishes, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.

Not only is this dish easy to make in under 30 minutes, but it’s also versatile and customizable. You can swap the ravioli for tortellini, use different proteins, or even make it vegetarian. Plus, since it uses cooked chicken, it’s a great way to use up leftovers from a rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick and Easy – Perfect for busy weeknights; ready in under 30 minutes.
✔ Packed with Summer Flavors – Fresh basil, tomatoes, zucchini, and lemon make this dish light and refreshing.
✔ Versatile – Works with ravioli, tortellini, or even regular pasta.
✔ Great for Using Leftovers – A fantastic way to use cooked chicken.
✔ Healthy and Balanced – Provides protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables in every bite.

Ingredients for Chicken Ravioli with Basil Pesto and Vegetables

For the Pasta & Chicken

1 package (9-12 oz) cheese or chicken ravioli (fresh or frozen)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (grilled, baked, or rotisserie)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup zucchini, diced
½ cup bell peppers, sliced (any color)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Basil Pesto Sauce

½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for a creamy sauce)
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
¼ cup reserved pasta water (to loosen the sauce, if needed)

For Garnishing

Fresh basil leaves
Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Pine nuts or walnuts (for added crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Ravioli with Basil Pesto and Vegetables

Step 1: Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the ravioli and cook according to package instructions (fresh ravioli takes about 3-4 minutes, while frozen ravioli may need 6-8 minutes).
Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water to help with the sauce.
Drain the ravioli and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Season with salt and black pepper and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 3: Add the Cooked Chicken & Basil Pesto Sauce

Stir in the cooked chicken, letting it warm up for 2 minutes.
Add the basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice, stirring to coat everything.
If you prefer a creamy pesto sauce, stir in heavy cream or Greek yogurt at this stage.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the consistency is perfect.

Step 4: Combine the Ravioli & Serve

Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce.
Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.

What to Serve with Chicken Ravioli and Basil Pesto

🍽️ Pair this dish with:

A Light Side Salad – Arugula or mixed greens with balsamic dressing.
Garlic Bread or Focaccia – Perfect for scooping up the delicious pesto sauce.
A Refreshing Drink – A glass of white wine, lemonade, or sparkling water.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Want to customize this dish? Here are some great options:

Swap the Pasta:

🍝 Use tortellini instead of ravioli for a delicious pesto chicken tortellini twist.
🌱 Swap ravioli for whole wheat pasta, gnocchi, or zucchini noodles.

Change the Protein:

🍗 Instead of chicken, use shrimp, salmon, or Italian sausage.
🌱 For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu.

Customize the Vegetables:

🥦 Add more greens like spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms.
🌽 Use roasted corn for extra sweetness and a summer feel.

Make It Lighter:

💛 Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter, protein-rich sauce.
🍋 Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Why This is the Perfect Summer Dinner Recipe

✔ Uses Fresh Ingredients – Basil, tomatoes, zucchini, and lemon give this dish a vibrant, summery taste.
✔ Light Yet Satisfying – Unlike heavy pasta dishes, this one is fresh and well-balanced.
✔ Easy to Make – Perfect for busy weeknights or casual summer dinners.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

🥶 Storage:

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🔥 Reheating:

Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

❄️ Freezing:

While pesto-based sauces don’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies separately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?

Yes! Just choose a high-quality pesto with fresh basil and olive oil.

2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and simply cook the pasta fresh when ready to eat.

3. Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free pesto and skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.

4. How Can I Make This a High-Protein Dish?

Add extra grilled chicken or shrimp.
Stir in white beans or chickpeas for plant-based protein.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Chicken Tortellini Recipe for Summer

This Chicken Ravioli with Basil Pesto and Vegetables is the perfect summer dinner recipe—light, fresh, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making pesto chicken tortellini, a simple tortellini and veggies dish, or a creative twist on traditional ravioli, this meal is sure to impress!

🌿 Try this recipe and let us know how you like it! 🍽️💚