This Cheesy Chicken Tortellini recipe sounds absolutely delicious and comforting! It’s a great mix of creamy, cheesy goodness with the heartiness of chicken and broccoli. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the recipe, along with some additional tips for making it even better.
Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of tortellini noodles – You can choose any variety, such as cheese or spinach tortellini, to add a bit more flavor.
- 1 rotisserie chicken (shredded) – Using rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver, as it adds flavor and saves you from cooking chicken from scratch.
- 1 bag of mozzarella cheese – This adds a gooey, melty layer of cheese that holds everything together.
- Handful of broccoli – Fresh broccoli adds a nice texture and balances out the richness of the dish.
- 2 cups heavy cream – For a creamy sauce that coats everything perfectly.
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese – This adds sharpness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- 1 stick unsalted butter – This forms the base for your creamy sauce.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C): This ensures it’s ready when it’s time to bake.
- Boil the Tortellini:
- Boil your tortellini noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 3-5 minutes. Once they’re cooked, drain them and set them aside.
- Tip: Save a small amount of pasta water in case you need to thin out your sauce later.
- Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli:
- Shred your rotisserie chicken, discarding any skin or bones.
- In a saucepan, warm up your shredded chicken and a handful of broccoli florets over medium heat. You can steam or sauté the broccoli lightly before adding it to the pan with the chicken.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In another saucepan, melt the stick of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the heavy cream and bring it to a small simmer (don’t let it boil too aggressively). Stir it occasionally to ensure the cream doesn’t curdle.
- Once it’s simmering, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Add your favorite seasonings at this point (garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Combine the Chicken, Broccoli, and Tortellini:
- Add the boiled tortellini to the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir well to combine everything.
- Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over the noodle and chicken mixture, stirring gently until the sauce coats everything evenly.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish:
- Transfer your cheesy chicken tortellini mixture to a baking dish. A 9×13-inch casserole dish works perfectly for this recipe.
- Top with Mozzarella Cheese:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the tortellini mixture. For an extra touch, you can also sprinkle some parsley flakes or fresh basil for color and a bit of extra flavor.
- Bake:
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect as a main course for a family dinner or as a comforting meal for any occasion.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Tortellini:
- Use Fresh Broccoli: If you prefer, you can use frozen broccoli, but fresh gives a better texture and flavor when baked.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme. A dash of garlic powder or onion powder can add a bit of depth to the flavor.
- Make Ahead Option: This dish can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge for a day or two before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Add Extra Veggies: You can also add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to make it a more hearty and nutritious meal.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Easy & Quick: With a rotisserie chicken and tortellini, you’re saving tons of time without sacrificing flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
- Comforting & Creamy: The combination of heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese makes the sauce rich and velvety, while the mozzarella adds that signature gooey meltiness.
- Customizable: The beauty of this recipe is that you can tweak it to your liking. Add more vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or even swap the tortellini for another type of pasta, like penne or rigatoni.
Enjoy this cheesy, creamy, and indulgent dish that the whole family will love! It’s a perfect go-to for any comfort food craving. 🍽️