If you’re looking for a quick meal that brings a little Italian sunshine to your weeknight table, these Italian Quesadillas are the answer! Marrying the cheesy, melty comfort of a quesadilla with the savory flavors of classic Italian cuisine, this dish is bursting with fresh basil, gooey mozzarella, pizza sauce, and tender rotisserie chicken. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to put on repeat—not only because it comes together in minutes, but also because every bite delivers the perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and herby goodness.

Italian Quesadillas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the greatest things about Italian Quesadillas is how a handful of simple, accessible ingredients can make something truly unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a starring role in this fusion dish, bringing its own flavor, texture, and even a little pop of color.

Tortillas: Use soft, large flour tortillas so you get that perfect crispy bite while holding all the delicious fillings together.
Rotisserie chicken (16 oz, chopped or shredded): Pre-cooked chicken adds savory, tender protein that soaks up the Italian flavors beautifully.
Fresh basil (2 TB, chopped or chiffonade): Fresh basil adds aromatic, herbal notes that make these quesadillas taste truly Italian.
Part-skim mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melt-in-your-mouth cheese brings creaminess and stretch—essential for gooey quesadillas!
Pizza sauce (about 1/2 jar or 135 grams): Tangy, herby, and bold, pizza sauce binds everything together just like in your favorite slice.

How to Make Italian Quesadillas

Step 1: Heat Your Skillet

Start by heating a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Give it a quick spray with cooking spray, or use a brush to sweep on a thin layer of olive oil for extra flavor. This preps your pan and ensures your Italian Quesadillas get delightfully golden and crisp, not soggy or burned.

Step 2: Build Your Quesadilla

Place one tortilla flat in the skillet. Working on just one half of the tortilla, layer on your chopped rotisserie chicken, a sprinkle of fresh basil, and a generous handful of shredded mozzarella. Spoon a few dollops of pizza sauce over everything—the beauty here is that you can eyeball it and customize to your liking!

Step 3: Melt and Brown

Let the tortilla base cook gently for a few minutes. You’ll notice the cheese start to melt and the bottom of your tortilla turning golden brown. This low-and-slow heat is key for meltiness and that perfect crunch without burning.

Step 4: Fold Into a Half-Moon

Once you spy that fabulous melty cheese, use a spatula to fold the empty half of the tortilla over your toppings, creating a classic half-moon shape. Press it down gently to seal in all the goodness.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Continue to cook your quesadilla for another minute, then use your spatula to carefully flip it over. Keep an eye out for that golden-brown crust! After both sides are crispy and the cheese is completely melted, you’re set.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Transfer your Italian Quesadilla onto a cutting board and let it rest for a moment—a minute will do! Slice into halves or quarters for that irresistible, dippable shape, then serve immediately while it’s melty and fresh.

How to Serve Italian Quesadillas

Garnishes

The finishing touches make your Italian Quesadillas truly shine. Sprinkle extra fresh basil on top, add a light dusting of grated Parmesan, or drizzle a balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch. You can even add a crack of fresh black pepper for a little zip!

Side Dishes

These quesadillas pair beautifully with classic Italian or simple sides. Try a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette, some roasted veggies, or a side of marinated olives. If you want a heartier meal, a bowl of minestrone soup makes a fantastic companion.

Creative Ways to Present

You don’t need to stick to the basics! Cut your Italian Quesadillas into skinny strips and serve on a platter with toothpicks for party appetizers, or stack triangles around a bowl of marinara for easy dipping at game night. The flavors are crowd-pleasers no matter how you slice—or serve—them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Italian Quesadillas (rare, but it happens), let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, making them perfect for lunch the next day.

Freezing

These quesadillas also freeze surprisingly well! Let the cooked quesadillas cool, wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, and tuck them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, skip the microwave if you can—using a skillet or oven helps the tortillas stay crispy. Warm on medium heat in a nonstick pan or bake at 375°F until heated through and melty again. Your Italian Quesadillas will taste freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for Italian Quesadillas, feel free to mix in a bit of provolone, fontina, or even a little Parmesan for extra flavor and character.

What’s the best way to shred rotisserie chicken quickly?

Let the chicken cool slightly, then simply pull it apart with your fingers or use two forks for super-fast shredding. If you want it extra fine, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment makes it even faster.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Definitely! Just swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even slices of roasted bell pepper. The basil, mozzarella, and pizza sauce still bring all the Italian Quesadilla magic.

What kind of tortillas work best?

Large, soft flour tortillas work best—they’re sturdy enough to hold the fillings and crisp up nicely without cracking. For a whole wheat option, just be sure they’re pliable so you get that perfect fold.

How can I make the quesadillas extra crispy?

Brush a little olive oil on the outside of each tortilla before cooking, and don’t rush the process—let them cook over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side. This gives your Italian Quesadillas that crave-worthy crunch!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyful about Italian Quesadillas—every bite is a little celebration of bold flavors and melty cheese. I hope you’ll give them a try; after just one taste, I have a feeling they’ll earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation. Buon appetito, my friend!

Italian Quesadillas Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious fusion of Italian and Mexican flavors, these Italian Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal option perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Tortillas:

4 tortillas

Rotisserie Chicken:

16 oz rotisserie chicken (chopped or shredded)

Fresh Basil:

2 TB fresh basil (chopped or chiffonade)

Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese:

1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese

Pizza Sauce:

1/2 jar Pizza sauce (about 135 grams)

Instructions

Heat the Skillet: Begin by heating a skillet over medium-low heat. Spray with cooking spray or brush olive oil onto the skillet.
Prepare the Tortilla: Place the tortilla on the skillet. Add toppings and cheese to one half.
Cook the Quesadilla: Allow the tortilla to cook until the cheese melts and the underside is browned. Then, flip the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
Finish Cooking: Cook until the tortilla reaches your desired level of crispiness and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve: Cut the quesadilla into halves or quarters and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Italian-Mexican Fusion