Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two! This delightful dish is perfect for those intimate dinners or cozy weeknights. Overflowing with melty cheese, tender chicken, and a rich cream sauce, this recipe is your go-to for quick comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, the Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake doesn’t just satisfy your hunger; it truly feeds your soul.
This easy dinner idea comes together in just 40 minutes, making it one of the best dinner options to keep on rotation. Whether you’re simply wanting a comforting meal or you’re looking to impress a loved one, this dish fits the bill effortlessly. The combination of cheese and fresh spinach provides a nice contrast to the chicken and pasta, creating a beautifully balanced meal. Let’s dive into why this recipe is going to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two
- Comfort Food: This dish is a warm, cheesy hug on a plate that’s perfect for easing the day’s stresses.
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in under 40 minutes, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
- Perfectly Portioned: Designed for two, it reduces food waste while still delivering an indulgent experience.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of chicken, cheese, and spices provides depth and deliciousness in every bite.
- Versatile: This bake is easily adjustable to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process for your Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools to make the cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Start by greasing an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter; this will help ensure your meal slides out easily after baking. Gather a large pot for boiling water and a saucepan for creating your creamy sauce.
It’s helpful to have measuring cups and spoons at hand, along with a whisk to combine your ingredients seamlessly. Additionally, having a mixing bowl to combine your tortellini, chicken, and sauce will save time and effort. Prepping your workspace not only keeps you organized but also enhances the cooking experience, allowing you to focus on creating a flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch red pepper flakes or chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking. While the oven warms up, grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This will prevent any sticking and allow for easy serving once your bake is ready.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook them for about 2–3 minutes. It’s essential to keep them slightly underdone at this stage because they will continue to cook in the oven. Once they are cooked to that point, drain the tortellini and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk (or half-and-half), stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the minced garlic, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir it all together until fragrant, ensuring that the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until both cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce that will envelop your tortellini perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and your creamy cheese sauce. Gently fold the mixture until all ingredients are evenly coated in that luscious sauce. This step is key to ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor!
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Transfer the combined mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top it with the remaining shredded mozzarella to create a beautiful cheesy crust. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and lightly golden. For an extra touch, consider broiling it for an additional 2–3 minutes for that perfectly browned top.
Step 7: Let it Rest
Once the Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake is out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes; this will help the sauce set up a bit, making serving and enjoying it much easier!
Variations
- Protein: Feel free to substitute the chicken with diced ham, cooked sausage, or even sautéed shrimp for a twist.
- Vegetables: Incorporate other veggies like peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with spices by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure that the tortellini is cooked slightly under by keeping an eye on the boiling time.
- Letting the dish rest after baking allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this cheesy delight with a side salad for a fresh contrast to the creamy bake.
- Crusty bread or garlic bread also makes a great addition to soak up that irresistible sauce.
Tips
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with low-fat milk and use less cheese.
- To make ahead, prepare everything and store it in the fridge unbaked, then oven-bake it when ready to serve.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen tortellini, just follow the package instructions for cooking time, as it may differ from fresh.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute regular pasta and flour with gluten-free alternatives such as gluten-free tortellini and a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
What can I serve with this bake?
A light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair nicely with this dish.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your dining table. With its creamy sauce and flavorful ingredients, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner at home without breaking a sweat. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience. Have fun experimenting with variations, and don’t forget to leave a comment or share your favorite additions!
Print
Delicious Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your dining table.
Ingredients
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch red pepper flakes or chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking. While the oven warms up, grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This will prevent any sticking and allow for easy serving once your bake is ready.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook them for about 2–3 minutes. It’s essential to keep them slightly underdone at this stage because they will continue to cook in the oven. Once they are cooked to that point, drain the tortellini and set them aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk (or half-and-half), stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the minced garlic, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir it all together until fragrant, ensuring that the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until both cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce that will envelop your tortellini perfectly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and your creamy cheese sauce. Gently fold the mixture until all ingredients are evenly coated in that luscious sauce. This step is key to ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor!
- Transfer the combined mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top it with the remaining shredded mozzarella to create a beautiful cheesy crust. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and lightly golden. For an extra touch, consider broiling it for an additional 2–3 minutes for that perfectly browned top.
- Once the Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake is out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes; this will help the sauce set up a bit, making serving and enjoying it much easier!
Notes
This dish is a warm, cheesy hug on a plate that’s perfect for easing the day’s stresses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 40g