Chicken Tortellini Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, blending tender, cheese-filled tortellini, succulent chicken, and crisp broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy sauce. This delightful casserole is then baked to bubbly, golden perfection, promising a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any weeknight or special occasion. It’s a dish that not only satisfies cravings but also brings warmth and joy to the dinner table, making it an instant family favorite.
Discover the Ultimate Comfort: The Best Chicken Tortellini Casserole
There are few things as universally comforting as a warm, cheesy pasta dish, and this Chicken Tortellini Casserole stands out as a true champion. It masterfully combines the satisfying textures and flavors of pasta, cheese, and protein into one incredibly easy-to-make dish. This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a culinary hug in a dish, designed to bring smiles and full bellies with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights, it leverages clever shortcuts without compromising on taste or quality, ensuring a delicious and memorable meal every time.
What makes this recipe truly exceptional is its emphasis on convenience and flavor. We utilize the incredible efficiency of a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which delivers tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned chicken without any extra cooking steps. This means you can bypass the time-consuming process of cooking chicken from scratch, getting straight to assembly. Furthermore, frozen tortellini is a game-changer; it goes directly from the freezer into your baking dish, eliminating the need for thawing or pre-boiling. These simple hacks significantly cut down on preparation time, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
And let’s not forget the broccoli! Often, recipes require vegetables to be cooked separately, adding another pot to wash and another step to the process. Not here. By simply chopping the broccoli into small, manageable pieces, it bakes right along with the other ingredients, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the cheesy sauce and achieving the perfect tender-crisp texture. These ingenious shortcuts are what make this casserole a consistent crowd-pleaser and a top choice for a stress-free, wholesome, and incredibly tasty dinner.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Casserole
Crafting this irresistible Chicken Tortellini Casserole requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that ultimate comfort food experience:
- Broccoli: Opt for fresh broccoli, chopped into small, bite-sized florets. This ensures it cooks thoroughly and evenly within the casserole without the need for pre-cooking, infusing the dish with its vibrant color and earthy notes. Its slight bitterness beautifully complements the rich, creamy sauce.
- Rotisserie Chicken: The secret to a quick and flavorful casserole! A store-bought rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped into small pieces, brings incredible tenderness and pre-seasoned deliciousness. Alternatively, use any leftover cooked chicken, such as grilled or baked chicken breast, for a similar effect.
- Frozen Cheese-Filled Tortellini: This is the star pasta! Ensure you use frozen tortellini, as it holds its shape best during baking and requires no prior thawing or boiling. The cheese filling melts into pure deliciousness, adding a rich dimension to every bite. Avoid fresh or dried tortellini, as they may cook differently in this recipe.
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our luscious cheese sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to precisely control the overall saltiness of the dish, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned to your taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: This acts as a thickening agent for our creamy sauce, creating a smooth and velvety texture. Remember to whisk it constantly when adding liquids to prevent any lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth béchamel base.
- Milk: Any fat percentage will work beautifully, whether it’s 1%, 2%, or whole milk. I personally prefer 1% milk for a balanced richness that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a savory depth to the sauce. Using low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to maintain control over the salt levels, especially since cheese and bouillon also contribute sodium.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For the ultimate melty, flavorful cheese sauce, grate your own sharp cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting, whereas freshly grated cheese melts beautifully, offering superior flavor and texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: A key ingredient for its salty, nutty depth. We’ll divide this: a portion goes into the sauce, and the remainder is sprinkled on top to create a savory, golden crust during baking.
- Sour Cream: This adds an essential touch of creaminess and a subtle tang to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cheeses and elevating the overall flavor profile. For a lighter version, fat-free sour cream can be used.
- Seasonings: A thoughtful blend of chicken bouillon powder, Dijon mustard, dried parsley flakes, roasted garlic powder, granulated onion, salt, and pepper will enhance the casserole’s savory notes. Feel free to adjust the amounts to perfectly fit your preference.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide an incredible crispy topping. Toasting them in butter until golden before sprinkling on the casserole creates an irresistible crunch and a depth of flavor that complements the creamy interior perfectly.
Featured Comment
I made this delicious meal last night. All my family and I can say is “yummy!” My 3 year old’s review: “This is the best supper I have ever had here (home)!” I definitely recommend this one. Thank you!!
– Jenny
Simple Steps to Your Scrumptious Chicken Tortellini Casserole
Creating this satisfying Chicken Tortellini Casserole is a straightforward process, broken down into a few easy steps. Follow these instructions to achieve a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal:
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and achieves that beautiful golden crust. While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Assemble the Base: In a generously sized 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the finely chopped broccoli florets, the shredded or diced rotisserie chicken, and the frozen cheese-filled tortellini. Give everything a good toss to ensure the ingredients are well distributed. There’s no need to thaw the tortellini or pre-cook the broccoli; they will cook perfectly in the oven within the sauce.
- Craft the Cheesy Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a thick roux, cooking for about one minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Then, slowly add the milk and chicken broth in alternating small increments, whisking continuously after each addition until the sauce is smooth and thickened. This gradual process prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture. Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese until they are completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Finally, whisk in the sour cream, chicken bouillon powder, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, garlic powder, granulated onion, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan adds natural saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
- Combine and Top: Pour the rich, cheesy sauce evenly over the tortellini, chicken, and broccoli mixture in the baking dish. Gently stir everything together, making sure that all the tortellini is submerged and coated in the delicious sauce. This ensures every bite is infused with flavor. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. While the casserole bakes, prepare your crunchy topping: melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring constantly, until they turn light golden brown and become fragrant. After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top, and return it to the oven, uncovered, for another 8-10 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden and crisp. Serve hot and enjoy this incredibly comforting dish!
Flavorful Variations
Switch Things Up: Creative Twists for Your Casserole
While the classic Chicken Tortellini Casserole is perfect as is, feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to customize it to your taste or explore new flavor profiles:
- Chicken Tortellini with Pesto: For an herbaceous and vibrant twist, consider incorporating pesto into your casserole. Instead of the traditional cheese sauce, prepare a creamy pesto sauce by blending your favorite pesto with a touch of cream or milk. This creates a wonderfully aromatic dish with a fresh, savory kick. You can even find my favorite Pesto Tortellini recipe for inspiration!
- Lighter Sauce Options: If you’re looking to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor, make a few simple ingredient swaps. Replace full-fat sour cream with a fat-free alternative, and opt for 1% or skim milk instead of whole milk for the cheese sauce base. These adjustments maintain the creamy texture and delightful taste while making the dish a bit lighter.
- Chicken Tortellini Marinara: Craving a rich tomato-based flavor? Transform this casserole into a delightful Chicken Tortellini Marinara. Prepare a robust marinara sauce, either homemade or your favorite store-bought brand, and combine it with the chicken and tortellini. You might even try this recipe, swapping out the sausage for tender chopped rotisserie chicken to achieve a hearty, Italian-inspired bake.
- Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Soup: If a comforting bowl of soup is more your style, adapt this casserole into a hearty soup. Start with a flavorful chicken broth base, add the cooked chicken and tortellini, and swirl in a rich, creamy cheese sauce at the end. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors in a warming, liquid form. Here’s my favorite Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe to guide you!
Storage Solutions
Mastering Leftovers: Prepare Ahead, Reheat, and Freeze
This Chicken Tortellini Casserole is not only delicious freshly baked, but it also lends itself wonderfully to make-ahead preparation, easy reheating, and even freezing. Here’s how to ensure you can enjoy this comforting dish multiple times:
- Preparing Ahead: To get a head start, you can assemble the entire casserole (excluding the panko topping) up to two days in advance. Simply combine the broccoli, chicken, tortellini, and sauce in your baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 375°F (190°C). Then, add the toasted panko topping, cover with foil, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and heated through.
- Reheating Leftovers: Leftover casserole is just as delightful! For larger portions or the entire dish, cover it with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 30 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed. For individual servings, the microwave works perfectly; simply heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot. If you notice the sauce has thickened during storage, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
- Freezing for Later: This casserole is an excellent candidate for freezing, making it ideal for meal prep or emergency dinners. Assemble the casserole as directed, right up to the point before adding the panko topping. Allow it to cool completely if it has been partially baked. Then, wrap the baking dish tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with the baking instructions for a fresh casserole (add panko topping before baking). You can also bake directly from frozen, though it will require a longer baking time (likely 60-90 minutes covered, then uncover and add panko for the last 10-15 minutes).
What to Serve with Your Delicious Chicken Tortellini Casserole
Enhance your Chicken Tortellini Casserole experience with these delightful side dishes that perfectly complement its rich flavors and creamy texture:
Green Salads
Crisp Garden Salad
Appetizers
Life-Changing No-Knead Dinner Rolls
Side Dishes
Hearty Roasted Vegetables
Salads
My Favorite Refreshing Fruit Salad Recipe
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Ultimate Chicken Tortellini Casserole
Chelsea Lords
25 minutes
37 minutes
1 hour 2 minutes
6 servings
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan
- Small pot
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli chopped into very small pieces (florets only)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped from rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken)
- 1 pound cheese-filled tortellini (16 ounces, frozen, do not use fresh or dried)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (1%, 2% or whole; 1% is recommended for balance)
- 1 cup chicken stock (or low-sodium chicken broth)
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided, for sauce and topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat or fat-free)
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon roasted garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated onion
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch and golden finish)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat Oven & Assemble Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the finely chopped broccoli florets, the pre-cooked chicken (shredded or diced), and the frozen tortellini. Toss all the ingredients gently to ensure they are evenly distributed in the dish. There’s no need to thaw the tort tortellini or pre-cook the broccoli, as they will cook beautifully within the casserole.
- 2. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly until a thick paste (roux) forms. Continue whisking for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Next, slowly begin adding the milk, about 1/3 cup at a time, whisking continuously until smooth after each addition. Repeat this process with the chicken stock, adding it in 1/3 cup increments and whisking until fully incorporated and the sauce begins to thicken. Continue alternating between milk and stock until all the liquid has been added and the sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy.
- 3. Flavor the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Fold in the sour cream, whisking again until thoroughly combined and creamy. Finally, stir in the chicken bouillon powder, Dijon-style mustard, dried parsley flakes, roasted garlic powder, and granulated onion. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. (A good starting point is 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, but adjust according to your preference and the saltiness of your Parmesan cheese and broth.)
- 4. Combine and Initial Bake: Pour the luscious cheese sauce evenly over the tortellini mixture in the baking dish. Gently toss all the ingredients to ensure every piece of tortellini, chicken, and broccoli is thoroughly coated in the sauce. Make sure the tortellini is mostly submerged. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- 5. Add Crispy Topping & Finish Baking: While the casserole is in its initial bake, prepare the crispy panko topping. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring constantly, until they become a light golden brown and appear crispy. After the casserole has baked for 30 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the toasted panko topping over the cheese layer. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the panko topping is perfectly golden and crunchy. Remove from the oven and serve hot for a truly comforting meal.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 739kcal |
Carbohydrates: 50g |
Protein: 48g |
Fat: 39g |
Saturated Fat: 19g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g |
Trans Fat: 0.4g |
Cholesterol: 177mg |
Sodium: 1398mg |
Potassium: 247mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 6g |
Vitamin A: 986IU |
Vitamin C: 27mg |
Calcium: 543mg |
Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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