Few things satisfy quite like a bubbling casserole waiting to be served after a long day. This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Bake with Broccoli blends tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant broccoli in a rich, silky Alfredo sauce that bakes to golden perfection. Perfect for hectic weeknights, potlucks, or cozy dinners at home, this dish turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary comfort meal. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind this favorite Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Casserole, the ingredients and tools you’ll need, step-by-step preparation methods, Easy Chicken Tortellini Recipes tips, creative variations, and simple answers to your most common questions.
A Family Favorite Weeknight Casserole
It all started on one of those busy weeknights when the refrigerator was full of odds and ends—some leftover rotisserie chicken, a bag of frozen broccoli, and a package of cheese tortellini I’d picked up “just in case.” Out of that quick dinner improvisation, the Creamy Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Bake with Broccoli was born. From the moment the Alfredo sauce began to bubble on the stove and the first waves of garlicky, cheesy aroma filled the kitchen, everyone seemed to drift toward the dining table.
Now, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Bake with Broccoli has become our go-to comfort dish. It’s the kind of casserole that calls everyone together, even on the busiest nights. The Alfredo sauce seeps into each bite of the tender tortellini, while the chicken adds heartiness and the broccoli brings a fresh, colorful balance. As it bakes, the top turns lightly golden and bubbly, forming that irresistible cheesy crust. Every time I pull it from the oven, the family gravitates toward it—ready plates in hand and smiles on their faces.
Whether it’s a chilly evening or a last-minute meal before soccer practice, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Bake with Broccoli fits every mood. It’s creamy, indulgent yet balanced, and always leaves enough leftovers to be enjoyed again the next day. It’s one of those Easy Chicken Tortellini Recipes that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
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Creamy Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Bake with Broccoli
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This comforting casserole layers cheesy tortellini, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a rich Alfredo sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy weeknight meal that doubles as a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook tortellini 1–2 minutes less than package directions, add broccoli for the last 2 minutes, drain.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter, sauté garlic 30 seconds, stir in flour to form a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in heavy cream until smooth and thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
5. Add Parmesan, mozzarella, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
6. In a bowl, combine tortellini, broccoli, chicken, and Alfredo sauce, toss to coat.
7. Transfer mixture to baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese if using.
8. Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden, broil 2–3 minutes for a crisp top if desired.
9. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, then serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: casserole
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: italian-american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80
Keywords: chicken tortellini, alfredo bake, broccoli casserole, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy bake, comfort food
Why This Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Casserole Works Every Time
What makes this Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Casserole a true kitchen staple is its winning combination of simplicity and satisfaction. The ingredients are straightforward—pre-cooked chicken, store-bought cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen broccoli, and a rich Alfredo sauce that ties everything together. You can have it ready for the oven in minutes without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Convenience plays a huge part in why this casserole works so well. Those ready-made tortellini save time without compromising taste, while pre-cooked chicken (whether from leftovers or a store-bought rotisserie) keeps everything effortless. The broccoli adds brightness and texture, balancing out the indulgent, creamy layer of Alfredo. You can even switch up the vegetables—try spinach, mushrooms, or peas—or swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage to give it a new twist.
Another reason it’s loved by families everywhere is its crowd-pleasing flavor. Even picky eaters can get behind pasta, cheese, and a comforting creamy sauce. It’s the kind of dinner that feels special yet familiar—perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday suppers alike. Whether you’re looking for Easy Chicken Tortellini Recipes or planning a comforting make-ahead freezer dish, this Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Casserole delivers consistent results every time.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
To create the most flavorful Creamy Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Bake with Broccoli, gather fresh, simple ingredients and a few reliable kitchen tools. The beauty of this Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Casserole is that it’s built on pantry and refrigerator staples—no complicated preparation, just creamy, cheesy goodness that comes together fast.
| Core Ingredients | |
|---|---|
| 3 cups cooked, shredded or cubed chicken (rotisserie works great) | 1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) |
| 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) | 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter |
| Salt and black pepper, to taste | 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional) |
| For the Sauce | |
|---|---|
| 2 tablespoons unsalted butter | 2 cloves garlic, minced |
| 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour | 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half |
| 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese |
| ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth) | Salt and pepper, to taste |
| Optional Toppings | |
|---|---|
| Additional shredded mozzarella or Parmesan | ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs for crunch |
| Chopped parsley for garnish | Red pepper flakes for a kick |
Recommended Tools:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Medium pot for boiling tortellini
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Swaps & Variations:
- Lighter option: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly.
- Gluten-free: Replace tortellini with a gluten-free version and use gluten-free flour for the sauce.
- Protein alternative: Swap chicken for cooked shrimp, sausage, or turkey.
- Vegetarian twist: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach tortellini instead.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method for Alfredo Tortellini Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortellini and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. In the last two minutes of boiling, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them. Drain both together and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and whisk for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the cream, whisking until smooth and thickened, 3–5 minutes. Add Parmesan, mozzarella, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
Step 4: Combine and Layer the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine tortellini, broccoli, chicken, and sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella or Parmesan and breadcrumbs for texture.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. For an extra crisp top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes for color and flavor.
Pro Tips:
- Remove sauce from heat once cheese melts to avoid separation.
- Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil before sprinkling for crunch.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before layering.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk for restored creaminess.
Expert Tips for Creamier Alfredo and Balanced Flavors
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Sauté fresh garlic and add a hint of nutmeg for depth.
- Keep heat moderate to avoid curdling the sauce.
- Bake only until bubbly for the ideal creamy texture.
- Taste before layering to achieve perfect seasoning.
- Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
Creative Variations and Freezer-Friendly Options
- Tortellini flavors: Try spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or three-cheese blends.
- Extra veggies: Add spinach, kale, or bell peppers for nutrition and color.
- Protein swaps: Use ham, sausage, shrimp, or turkey for variety.
- Freezer-friendly: Assemble unbaked, freeze up to three months, thaw overnight, and bake.
- Gentle reheating: Reheat with a splash of milk, covered, for moisture retention.
- Portion flexibility: Halve or double the recipe as needed.
- Make-ahead: Prepare pasta and sauce separately; combine before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini in this casserole?
Yes, frozen tortellini works great. Boil slightly under the recommended time before combining with sauce and chicken to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best chicken for this Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Casserole?
Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds flavor. Use bite-sized pieces for even layering, whether white breast meat or juicy dark meat.
How do I keep the Alfredo sauce creamy after baking?
Bake only until the edges bubble and cheese melts. Overbaking can separate the sauce. Add a splash of milk or cream before baking if needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Let it rest at room temperature before baking. Freeze the unbaked version for longer storage.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container up to three days. Reheat in the oven with a splash of milk at 325°F (165°C) or microwave gently, stirring often.
Can I make it vegetarian or gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute chicken with sautéed vegetables or mushrooms and use gluten-free tortellini plus a GF thickener like cornstarch for the sauce.
The Perfect Comfort Dish You’ll Make Again
The Creamy Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Bake with Broccoli captures everything we love about comfort food—creamy sauce, tender pasta, juicy chicken, and colorful broccoli baked into one delicious, bubbling dish. Every bite brings together layers of flavor and warmth, making it a recipe you’ll lean on for quick weeknight meals, cozy family dinners, or crowd-pleasing potlucks.
It’s more than a casserole—it’s that dependable dinner that fills the kitchen with an inviting aroma and brings everyone together around the table. Versatile, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable, this recipe proves that Easy Chicken Tortellini Recipes can be gourmet without the fuss.
Next time you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and comforting, reach for this Chicken Broccoli Tortellini Casserole. You’ll find yourself making it again and again—because once you taste that golden, bubbling perfection, it becomes more than a recipe. It becomes a tradition.
