Name: Delicious Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
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)

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

Scale

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