15 Minute Italian Quesadillas - Momma Fit Lyndsey (2024)

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Italian quesadillas pack simple ingredients like mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, basil, and rotisserie chicken into an easy meal your family will love! A quick weeknight meal that is ready in less than 15 minutes!

15 Minute Italian Quesadillas - Momma Fit Lyndsey (1)

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  • What Makes This Recipe Work
  • Ingredients for This Recipe
  • How to Make This Recipe
  • Expert Tips
  • FAQ
  • Italian Quesadillas

Quesadillas are our go-to for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will eat without complaints! I'm a huge fan of making quesadillas in the air fryer, but this one is super easy to make in a skillet or griddle, you can even make it in a panini press!

Serve these Italian quesadillas with a yummy soup like Veggie Chili for a super simple and flavorful meal.

What Makes This Recipe Work

  • Crowd pleaser! Simple ingredients that are great for a kid friendly option or can be jazzed up by adding in some Italian peppers, pesto, onions, garlic or red peppers.
  • Quick to make - done and on the table in less than 15 minutes.
  • Easy ingredients - many of which you may already have on hand in your pantry or fridge and uses precooked rotisserie chicken for easy meal prep.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.

15 Minute Italian Quesadillas - Momma Fit Lyndsey (2)
  • Cheese: I used mozzarella cheese, however what ever Italian cheese blend you prefer will work, just make sure it is a melty cheese.
  • Chicken: I used rotisserie chicken, however you can also use another meat such as ground sausage, leftover meatballs, beef, pepperoni, salami or prosciutto. You could also use canned chicken if you prefer.
  • Basil: I used fresh basil but you can also use pesto if you have it or prefer.
  • Tortillas: Use whole wheat tortillas or spinach tortillas.
  • Pizza Sauce: May also use spicy tomato sauce or mozzarella if you prefer.

How to Make This Recipe

Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.

15 Minute Italian Quesadillas - Momma Fit Lyndsey (3)

To begin, heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Spray with cooking spray or brush olive oil onto the skillet.

Place your tortilla on the skillet. Add toppings and cheese to one half.

Allow tortilla to cook for a few minutes until you notice the cheese is beginning to melt and the under side of the tortilla is starting to brown.

Flip over the half of the tortilla without toppings on to the half with toppings making a half moon shape.

Allow tortilla to cook for a minute more then flip. Cook until tortilla is browned to your liking and cheese is melted.

Expert Tips

  • To help the cheese to melt and get super cheesy, place a skillet lid over the pizza quesadilla when you first put it on the skillet. Keep an eye on it so it does not burn but this will help the cheese to melt easier.
  • Use a pizza cutter to easily cut Italian quesadillas in half or in quarters.
  • Reheat by placing on a skillet and heating over medium heat until cheese is re-melted and chicken is heated through.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Not recommended for freezing.

FAQ

Can I make it without a quesadilla maker?

You don't need a special appliance to make these. You can use a griddle, skillet or even a panini press to easily make them. Also you can try the air fryer if you have one.

How do I make Italian quesadillas without meat?

Omit chicken and add in more veggies if desired. Spinach, red peppers and zucchini would be great additions. Check out my veggie quesadilla recipe for more inspiration.

Can I make it into a pizza tortilla instead?

To make a pizza with tortillas top your tortilla with your desired toppings and then use a toaster oven or oven to bake at 425F for 8 minutes.

Are there other quesadilla toppings I can use?

Sure, this recipe is customizable to add any pizza toppings you would like. A few ideas would be mushrooms, onions, garlic, pepperoni or peppers.

15 Minute Italian Quesadillas - Momma Fit Lyndsey (4)

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5 from 8 votes

Italian Quesadillas

Italian quesadillas pack simple ingredients like mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, basil, and rotisserie chicken into an easy meal your family will love! A quick weeknight meal that is ready in less than 15 minutes!

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 minute minute

Servings 2

Calories 359kcal

Author Lyndsey

Ingredients

  • 4 tortillas
  • 16 oz rotisserie chicken chopped or shredded
  • 2 TB fresh basil chopped or chiffonade
  • 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • ½ jar Pizza sauce about 135 grams

Instructions

  • To begin, heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Spray with cooking spray or brush olive oil onto the skillet.

  • Place the tortilla on the skillet. Add toppings and cheese to one half.

  • Allow tortilla to cook for a few minutes until you notice the cheese is beginning to melt and the under side of the tortilla is starting to brown.

  • Flip over the half of the tortilla without toppings on to the half with toppings making a half moon shape.

  • Allow tortilla to cook for a minute more then flip. Cook until tortilla is browned to your liking and cheese is melted.

  • Cut in half or into quarters and serve immediately.

Notes

To help the cheese to melt and get super cheesy, place a skillet lid over the quesadilla when you first put it on the skillet. Keep an eye on it so it does not burn but this will help the cheese to melt easier.

Use a pizza cutter to easily cut Italian quesadillas in half or in quarters.

Reheat by placing on a skillet and heating over medium heat until cheese is re-melted and chicken is heated through.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.6g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 14.3g

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @cookathomemomma or tag #cookathomemomma!

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15 Minute Italian Quesadillas - Momma Fit Lyndsey (2024)

FAQs

How long do you microwave frozen quesadillas? ›

To serve: microwave frozen quesadilla halves for 45 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes or place on medium heat skillet and warm.

How long do you leave a quesadilla in a quesadilla maker? ›

It creates 10-inch quesadillas packed with your favorite ingredients in just 3-4 minutes! Deep-dish pockets hold loads of cheese, salsa, and meat, and the outer ridge seals everything in for mess-free snacking.

What is the story of quesadillas? ›

Many believe that the quesadilla was introduced to the West by Spaniards, but it actually originated in the south-central regions of Mexico. The earliest form of quesadillas was described as an empanada, filled with ingredients and made to be portable.

What is quesadillas real name? ›

A quesadilla (/ˌkeɪsəˈdiːjə/; Spanish: [kesaˈðiʝa]; Mexican diminutive of quesada) is a Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla that is filled primarily with cheese, and sometimes meats, spices, and other fillings, and then cooked on a griddle or stove.

How to heat up a quesadilla in the microwave? ›

Place the quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate. If your microwave has a turntable, use it to ensure even heating. Reheat the quesadilla on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the microwave's wattage. It's essential to avoid overheating, as the tortilla may become soggy.

How do you cook frozen tortillas in the microwave? ›

Remove the tortillas from their airtight bag and stack them on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid to create a humid environment. Microwave them in 30-second increments, flipping and checking after each interval, until they are pliable and thawed.

What is the best cheese for quesadillas? ›

Sometimes the best cheese for quesadillas is whatever you have in the fridge when the craving strikes. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are standards of American-style quesadillas. But if you are planning ahead, consider that freshly grated cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack makes the meltiest quesadillas.

Why are my quesadillas not crispy? ›

Too much fat will make your quesadilla soggy instead of crispy. Use just enough to coat the bottom of your skillet — about 1/2 teaspoon of butter or oil. Warm it in the skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the tortilla and top with cheese.

Can you eat a quesadilla that was left out overnight? ›

Can You Eat a Quesadilla that Has Been Left Out? The general rule of thumb for leaving food out is to never eat anything that has been left out for more than 2 hours. Food that has been cooked is unsafe to eat when it is between 40°F and 140°F which is the temperature range where bacteria grows rapidly.

What is a quesadilla without cheese called? ›

Interestingly, Anais points out that a quesadilla without cheese in Oaxaca is called an 'empanada', which could be a surprise for people used to baked or fried hand pies with filling.

Is quesadilla healthy? ›

Veggies and beans will add fiber, while cheese and meat will add protein. The tortilla is a source of carbs, so in general, quesadillas are very well-rounded nutritionally. They check off the four nutrition boxes we often talk about with our clients: carbs, protein, fat, and fiber.

What is a quesadilla with meat called? ›

Mulitas are like quesadilla sandwiches…with meat on the inside. Hello! That's cool! This carnitas recipe is suuuuper simple, and only takes about 3 hours of braising on the stove-top.

What is a Shrek quesadilla? ›

Shrek's Quesadilla! it's a beautiful thing, really… two. smashed crispy beef patties with house seasoning, american cheese, diced white onions, pickles, and. caramelized onions, all wrapped in a crispy spinach.

Can you put lettuce in a quesadilla? ›

Elevate this into a meal for an adult by adding leftover taco meat or beans to the inside of the quesadilla. You can add salsa (or better yet) add my homemade pico de gallo recipe, or guacamole over the top. You can also add sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, and sour cream.

What kind of cheese do Mexican restaurants use in their quesadillas? ›

Traditional Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca cheese or Chihuahua cheese are commonly used in quesadillas because they melt easily and have a mild, slightly salty flavor. Other cheese options include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and mozzarella.

How do you microwave frozen wraps? ›

Remove wrapper and place on a microwave safe plate with tortilla flap facing up. Cook on high for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Let sit one minute and serve!

How long to cook frozen tortillas? ›

You can freeze the whole package and thaw for 15-20 minutes OR put parchment or wax paper between tortillas to thaw one tortilla at a time. Basic Cooking: For tacos, finish tortillas in a dry pan, griddle, oven or grill for 1 minute on each side.

Can you freeze and reheat quesadillas? ›

Place the sheet in the freezer until the quesadillas are firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and warm the quesadilla in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.

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