Italian Quesadillas

Looking for a fast and delicious meal your whole family will love? These Italian quesadillas are the perfect solution! Packed with melty mozzarella cheese, flavorful pizza sauce, fresh basil, and juicy rotisserie chicken, this dish is a fun Italian twist on a classic quesadilla. Best of all? It’s ready in under 15 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Ready in less than 15 minutes with minimal prep!
Family-Friendly – A surefire crowd-pleaser with simple ingredients.
Customizable – Swap out ingredients for your favorite flavors.
Minimal Cleanup – Just one skillet required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make these delicious Italian quesadillas:

4 tortillas – Whole wheat or spinach tortillas work great, too!
16 oz rotisserie chicken – Shredded or chopped for easy use.
2 tablespoons fresh basil – Chopped or chiffonade for a fresh burst of flavor.
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese – Or use an Italian cheese blend.
½ jar pizza sauce (about 135g) – Try spicy tomato sauce for extra flavor!
Olive oil or cooking spray – For crisping up the tortillas.

How to Make Italian Quesadillas

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Italian quesadilla:

Preheat Your Skillet – Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or a brush of olive oil.
Assemble the Quesadilla – Place a tortilla on the skillet and spread toppings (chicken, cheese, basil, and pizza sauce) on one half.
Cook & Fold – Let the tortilla cook for a few minutes until the cheese begins to melt and the underside turns golden brown.
Flip & Finish Cooking – Fold the empty half over the toppings, forming a half-moon shape. Cook for another minute, then flip and cook until golden and crispy.
Slice & Serve – Use a pizza cutter to slice the quesadilla in half or quarters and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Quesadillas

✔ Want extra melty cheese? Cover the skillet with a lid while the cheese melts. ✔ Crispier Quesadillas? Lightly brush the outside of the tortilla with olive oil before cooking. ✔ Easy Reheating – Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to re-crisp the tortilla. ✔ Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days (not recommended for freezing).

Variations & Substitutions

Meat Options: Swap rotisserie chicken for pepperoni, salami, ground sausage, or prosciutto.
Vegetarian Twist: Skip the meat and add roasted red peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
Sauce Swap: Try pesto or marinara instead of pizza sauce for a unique twist.
Cheese Variety: Use provolone, parmesan, or an Italian cheese blend for different flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this without a quesadilla maker?
Absolutely! A skillet, griddle, or panini press works just as well.

How can I make an Italian quesadilla without meat?
Skip the chicken and load up on veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

Can I turn this into a pizza tortilla?
Yes! Instead of folding the tortilla, leave it open-faced, bake it for a few minutes, and enjoy a crispy, thin-crust pizza.

What other toppings can I use?
Try sautéed onions, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Italian quesadillas are a must-try for anyone who loves easy, cheesy, and flavorful meals. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Give them a try, and let me know how you like them!

If you make this recipe, don’t forget to rate & comment below! Plus, follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more tasty ideas