Chicken Tortellini Bake
A warm, comforting casserole that combines tender tortellini, creamy cheese, and savory chicken, perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package Cheese tortellini Choose cheese-filled for classic taste.
- 1 cup Cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken.
- 2 cups Fresh spinach or frozen, thawed and drained Fresh spinach preferred.
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded For rich flavor.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated Also adds flavor.
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce Or your choice of creamy sauce.
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup Mushrooms, sliced Adds texture and flavor.
- 1 cup Bell peppers, diced For color and crunch.
- 1 cup Zucchini, diced Seasonal vegetable option.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder For added flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Enhances the overall taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, melt three tablespoons of butter over medium heat and whisk in three tablespoons of all-purpose flour until it forms a paste.
- Continue whisking for about 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually add two cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps, and let it simmer until thickened.
- Stir in one cup of shredded cheese until melted.
- Cook the tortellini in boiling salted water for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it's tender but firm.
- Drain the tortellini and mix it with the cheese sauce.
Assembly
- In a suitable baking dish, layer the ingredients: tortellini, chicken, and cheese sauce, repeating until all are used, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
- Spread ingredients evenly for consistent cooking.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end for a crispy top, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
Notes
For meal prep, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance or freeze it. Store in airtight containers for freshness. Ideal side dishes include garlic bread, salads, or steamed veggies.