Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe sizzle of melting cheese and the aroma of fresh basil wafting through the kitchen instantly transport me to the heart of Italy. These Italian Quesadillas blend the classic flavors of a margherita pizza with the convenience of a quick meal, making them a perfect choice for those busy weeknights when culinary creativity meets a time crunch. In just 15 minutes, you can create a dish that’s not only family-friendly but also completely customizable to suit your taste buds—whether that’s using leftover rotisserie chicken or loading it up with your favorite veggies. Ready to delight your palate with this scrumptious twist on a beloved classic? Let’s dive in and make magic happen in your kitchen! Why Are Italian Quesadillas a Must-Try? Quick Preparation: These Italian quesadillas come together in just 15 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the hassle. Customizable for All: Whether you’re a meat lover or a veggie enthusiast, you can easily swap ingredients to cater to your taste. Try adding your favorite vegetables or even a touch of spicy pepperoni for an extra kick! Family-Friendly Appeal: With gooey cheese and savory rotisserie chicken, this dish is bound to please the whole family, including picky eaters. You can also pair them with a hearty soup, like veggie chili, to round out the meal. Fusion of Flavors: Combining Italian and Mexican cuisines provides an exciting twist on traditional dishes, allowing everyone to enjoy a taste of both worlds. Perfect Texture: The crispy exterior and melty cheese create a satisfying bite that is both comforting and indulgent. Trust me; you’ll find yourself craving this hand-held delight again and again! Italian Quesadillas Ingredients • Dive into the flavors of Italy and meld them perfectly into a quick meal! For the Tortilla Base Tortillas – The essential base for your quesadilla; feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary preferences. For the Filling Rotisserie Chicken – Provides a quick protein boost and scrumptious flavor; substitute with shredded vegetables to create a tasty vegetarian version. Fresh Basil – Adds aromatic freshness and a hint of Italian flair; if you don’t have fresh, dried basil serves as a suitable alternative. Part-skim Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy center; you can swap in regular mozzarella or dairy-free cheese if needed. For the Sauce Pizza Sauce – Infuses the quesadilla with a classic Italian taste; feel free to use homemade or your favorite store-bought version, or try marinara for a twist. Embrace these vibrant flavors and watch your family fall in love with your Italian quesadillas! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Italian Quesadillas Step 1: Prepare the Skillet Begin by heating a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Let the skillet warm up for about 1 minute; you’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles upon contact. This step sets the stage for perfectly cooked Italian quesadillas. Step 2: Layer the Ingredients Place one tortilla onto the heated skillet, ensuring it fits comfortably. On one half of the tortilla, layer half of the rotisserie chicken, a generous handful of part-skim mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Let the vibrant flavors meld as you prepare for the next step; this combination is the heart of your Italian quesadilla. Step 3: Cook Until Melty Allow the tortilla to cook for about 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on it. The cheese should be melting and the underside of the tortilla will begin to brown. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the edges appear slightly crispy and golden. The tantalizing aroma of melted cheese and baked chicken will fill your kitchen eagerly awaiting the next steps. Step 4: Fold and Finish Cooking Gently fold the tortilla in half, enclosing the savory filling within. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula, letting it cook on the other side for an additional minute, or until it turns a beautiful shade of golden brown. This step locks in the cheesy goodness and ensures every bite of your Italian quesadilla is both satisfying and delicious. Step 5: Slice and Serve Once both sides are beautifully browned, transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut it into halves or quarters for easy serving. The gooey melted cheese and savory chicken should ooze slightly from the edges, creating an inviting presentation that’s just begging to be enjoyed right away. Italian Quesadillas: Customize Your Creation Dive into the delicious world of variations for your Italian quesadillas, where your creativity shines and flavor blooms! Vegetarian Delight: Omit the chicken and load up on sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a colorful twist. Each bite is vibrant and satisfying. Dairy-Free Option: Swap part-skim mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative, ensuring everyone in your family can enjoy this gooey goodness without compromise. Spicy Kick: Add slices of jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to heat things up! This twist will definitely awaken your taste buds and add excitement. Classic Margherita: Top your quesadilla with fresh tomato slices along with basil and mozzarella for an authentic margherita feel, elevating your experience to a gourmet level. Savory Italian Sausage: Swap out the chicken for crumbled Italian sausage for a hearty, flavorful twist. The spices from the sausage will bring a new depth to this dish, making it unforgettable. Herbs Galore: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to add an aromatic signature to your quesadilla. A mix of herbs can transform each bite into a fragrant escape. Pizza Sauce Swap: If you have some marinara sauce or pesto on hand, use that instead of pizza sauce for a unique take—each sauce brings a distinctively delightful flavor. Crispy Add-ins: Toss in some crumbled feta cheese or olives for added texture and a Mediterranean flair that pairs beautifully with the classic quesadilla ingredients. Feel free to mix and match these variations, and consider pairing your yummy quesadillas with a warm bowl of veggie chili for a truly satisfying meal! What to Serve with Italian Quesadillas Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick lunch, these delightful quesadillas invite endless possibilities to elevate your meal. Garlicky Green Beans: The tender crunch of sautéed green beans with a hint of garlic adds vibrancy, perfectly balancing the cheesy quesadillas. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil create a refreshing side that complements the Italian flavors beautifully. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra punch! Zucchini Fries: Crispy, baked zucchini fries provide a satisfying crunch, making them a playful and health-conscious companion. Serve with a zesty aioli for dipping! Italian Wedding Soup: This hearty soup brings rich flavors and nutritious elements to your table, rounding out the meal beautifully with its warm, savory broth. Side of Marinara Sauce: A small bowl of marinara for dipping enhances each cheesy bite, embracing the Italian essence of your quesadillas while adding depth. Sparkling Lemonade: Bright and refreshing, a glass of sparkling lemonade tempers the richness of the quesadillas and adds a delightful zing. Chocolate Pudding Cups: End the meal on a sweet note with rich chocolate pudding cups, offering a creamy, decadent dessert that contrasts beautifully with savory dishes. Make Ahead Options These Italian Quesadillas are the perfect solution for meal prep enthusiasts! You can shred the rotisserie chicken and chop the fresh basil up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerating them in separate airtight containers to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can preassemble the quesadillas (without cooking) by layering the tortillas, chicken, cheese, and basil, then wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. This allows for hassle-free cooking later on—simply cook them in a skillet for about 3-5 minutes until they’re hot and golden brown. By prepping ahead, you can enjoy delicious, homemade Italian Quesadillas with minimal effort on busy weeknights! Expert Tips for Italian Quesadillas Check the Tortilla: Make sure your tortilla is pliable and fresh; a stale tortilla might crack when folding, ruining your quesadilla’s texture. Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add lots of filling, be cautious not to overload the quesadilla, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a messy plate. Mind the Heat: Use medium-low heat to avoid burning the tortilla while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly. Adjust the temperature if necessary. Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap out the rotisserie chicken for your favorite veggies or cheeses, but remember to balance flavors for the best Italian quesadillas. Use a Lid: For extra melty cheese, cover the skillet with a lid while cooking. This traps heat and helps everything melt beautifully! Storage Tips for Italian Quesadillas Fridge: Store leftover Italian quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out. Reheating: To reheat, place the quesadillas on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, allowing the cheese to melt again and restore their gooey texture. Freezer: These quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. They may lose their texture and flavor when thawed. Italian Quesadillas Recipe FAQs How should I select ripe ingredients for my Italian Quesadillas? Absolutely! When choosing your ingredients, look for tortillas that are soft and pliable without any tears. Opt for rotisserie chicken that is moist and flavorful, and when selecting basil, pick vibrant green leaves that are free from browning or dark spots. For the mozzarella, fresh cheese should be creamy and slightly springy to the touch, while pizza sauce should be rich and aromatic. What’s the best way to store leftover Italian Quesadillas? Very! Store your leftover Italian quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and flavorful. Be sure to allow them to cool to room temperature before sealing them in the container to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess. Can I freeze Italian Quesadillas? I recommend it! However, it’s important to note that these quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh and may lose their texture if frozen. If you do decide to freeze them, wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then warm in a skillet until heated through and cheesy. What do I do if my quesadillas aren’t browning properly? Oh no! If your quesadillas aren’t browning as they should, it may be due to the heat being too low. Try increasing the skillet’s temperature slightly but remain cautious; too high heat can burn the tortilla. Additionally, ensure you’re using enough cooking spray or oil to create a crisp, golden exterior. Flipping them when you see brown edges can also help encourage even cooking. Are Italian Quesadillas safe for pets? No, it’s best to keep your Italian quesadillas away from pets. Ingredients like cheese and pizza sauce can be problematic for dogs and cats, causing digestive issues if consumed in excess. If you want to share the love with your furry friends, consider saving a small portion of plain chicken (without seasoning) as a treat. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure about what human foods are safe for your pets! Can I make Italian Quesadillas vegetarian? Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version, simply replace the rotisserie chicken with your favorite shredded vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You can even add some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. Just ensure to balance the flavors with spices or seasoning to keep it delicious and satisfying! Italian Quesadillas: Quick & Cheesy Family Meal in 15 Minutes No ratings yet Italian Quesadillas blend classic margherita pizza flavors with convenience, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 quesadillasCourse: DinnerCuisine: Italian, MexicanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tortilla Base4 pieces Tortillas whole wheat or gluten-free options availableFor the Filling2 cups Rotisserie Chicken substitute with shredded vegetables for a vegetarian version1 cup Fresh Basil dried basil can be used as an alternative1 cup Part-skim Mozzarella Cheese can swap in regular mozzarella or dairy-free cheeseFor the Sauce1/2 cup Pizza Sauce homemade or store-bought version recommended Equipment non-stick skilletSpatulacutting boardknife or pizza cutter Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare the Skillet: Begin by heating a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Let the skillet warm up for about 1 minute.Layer the Ingredients: Place one tortilla onto the heated skillet. On one half, layer half of the rotisserie chicken, part-skim mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh basil.Cook Until Melty: Allow the tortilla to cook for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melting and the underside of the tortilla begins to brown.Fold and Finish Cooking: Gently fold the tortilla in half and flip it, cooking for another minute until it turns golden brown.Slice and Serve: Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and cut it into halves or quarters for easy serving. Nutrition Serving: 1quesadillaCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
