Easy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe

This creamy chicken alfredo tortellini bake is the ultimate weeknight warrior, offering a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

It’s the kind of dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you want something comforting and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

You’ll love how straightforward this recipe is, relying on a few key ingredients to create a rich, flavorful experience that the whole family will enjoy. Get ready to discover your new go-to for an easy, hearty dinner.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Bake

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• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy chicken alfredo tortellini bake is the ultimate weeknight warrior, offering a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you want something comforting and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how straightforward this recipe is, relying on a few key ingredients to create a rich, flavorful experience that the whole family will enjoy. Get ready to discover your new go-to for an easy, hearty dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound refrigerated cheese tortellini

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures easy cleanup later.

2. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes, until al dente. Drain the tortellini well and set aside. Do not overcook, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

3. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the jarred Alfredo sauce and heavy cream until well combined and smooth. This creates the rich, creamy base for your bake.

4. Assemble the Bake: Add the cooked tortellini and shredded or diced cooked chicken to the bowl with the Alfredo sauce mixture. Gently toss everything together until the tortellini and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish and Top with Cheese: Pour the tortellini and chicken mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture.

6. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden brown. The internal temperature of the dish should be hot throughout.

7. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: baked
• Cuisine: italian-american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe

Keywords: chicken, alfredo, tortellini, bake, creamy, easy, weeknight, comfort food, pasta, cheese

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone juggling a busy schedule but still wanting to put a delicious, homemade meal on the table. It’s perfect for families with kids who appreciate familiar flavors, as the combination of chicken, creamy Alfredo, and cheesy tortellini is almost universally loved. You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for a Tuesday night after school and work, or even a relaxed weekend dinner when you want maximum flavor with minimum effort. It’s also incredibly satisfying, providing a hearty meal that will keep everyone full and happy.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

This section outlines all the ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful chicken alfredo tortellini bake. We focus on readily available items that are easy to find at any grocery store, ensuring a stress-free shopping experience.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

For simple substitutions, if you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, a rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves even more time. You can also use leftover roast chicken or quickly pan-fry two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and shred them. When it comes to Alfredo sauce, feel free to use your favorite brand; a good quality sauce will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. If you prefer a lighter cheese, a blend of Italian cheeses can be used in place of or in addition to mozzarella and Parmesan.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious chicken alfredo tortellini bake. Each step is designed to be clear and easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures easy cleanup later.
2. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes, until al dente. Drain the tortellini well and set aside. Do not overcook, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the jarred Alfredo sauce and heavy cream until well combined and smooth. This creates the rich, creamy base for your bake.
4. Assemble the Bake: Add the cooked tortellini and shredded or diced cooked chicken to the bowl with the Alfredo sauce mixture. Gently toss everything together until the tortellini and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish and Top with Cheese: Pour the tortellini and chicken mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture.
6. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden brown. The internal temperature of the dish should be hot throughout.
7. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and freshness.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This chicken alfredo tortellini bake is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can add a handful of frozen peas or corn directly into the mixture before baking – they’ll cook through in the oven and add a touch of color and extra veggies. If you want to boost the protein, consider adding some cooked crumbled sausage or even shrimp for a seafood variation.

For serving, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly complements the richness of the bake. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a fantastic addition, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy Alfredo sauce. This dish is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It also holds up well for potlucks or casual gatherings, and you can easily double the recipe for a larger crowd. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Here are a few to watch out for when making your chicken alfredo tortellini bake:

• Overcooking the Tortellini: Refrigerated tortellini cooks very quickly. If you boil it for too long before baking, it can become mushy. Cook it just until al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Using Cold Chicken: While not a disaster, using cold chicken straight from the fridge can slightly extend the baking time needed for the dish to heat through evenly. If possible, bring your cooked chicken to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before mixing.
• Not Greasing the Baking Dish: Skipping this step can lead to cheese and sauce sticking to the bottom and sides of your dish, making cleanup much harder. A quick spray of cooking oil prevents this.
• Baking at Too High a Temperature: While you want the cheese to melt and bubble, baking at an excessively high temperature can cause the sauce to dry out or the cheese to burn before the dish is heated through. Stick to the recommended 375°F.
• Not Letting It Rest: Pulling the dish straight from the oven and serving immediately can result in a runny sauce. A short 5-minute rest allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes for cleaner serving.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This chicken alfredo tortellini bake is excellent for leftovers and can be prepared in advance, making meal planning a breeze.

Storage: Allow any leftover bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to restore some of the moisture and creaminess. For larger portions, you can reheat the dish in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until hot, covering it with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much.

Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire bake, including mixing the tortellini, chicken, and sauce, and topping with cheese, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from cold.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated? Yes, you can! Just follow the package directions for cooking the frozen tortellini to al dente before adding it to the recipe. It might take a minute or two longer to cook than refrigerated tortellini.

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe? Any cooked chicken works well. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. You can also use leftover roasted chicken, or quickly boil or pan-fry boneless, skinless chicken breasts and then shred or dice them.

Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier? Yes, for a bit of a kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce mixture. You could also stir in some diced jalapeños if you like more heat.

What if I don’t have heavy cream? While heavy cream provides the richest texture, you can substitute

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.