Easy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe

This easy chicken alfredo tortellini bake is a true weeknight hero, combining tender tortellini with a rich, creamy alfredo sauce and savory chicken.

It’s a hearty, comforting dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a delicious meal to enjoy yourself, this baked pasta dish delivers on flavor and ease. The stuffed tortellini adds an extra layer of deliciousness, making it a guaranteed hit at any dinner table.

Easy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Bake

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

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Description

This easy chicken alfredo tortellini bake is a true weeknight hero, combining tender tortellini with a rich, creamy alfredo sauce and savory chicken. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a delicious meal to enjoy yourself, this baked pasta dish delivers on flavor and ease. The stuffed tortellini adds an extra layer of deliciousness, making it a guaranteed hit at any dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

19 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

15 ounces alfredo sauce (jarred)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. 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 thoroughly.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the jarred alfredo sauce, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.

4. Add the cooked and drained tortellini and the 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 creamy sauce.

5. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.

6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. The sauce should also be heated through and simmering around the edges.

7. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

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

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This chicken alfredo tortellini bake is designed for ultimate convenience and deliciousness, making it a fantastic choice for a variety of occasions. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, especially on those weeknights when time is short but you still want a homemade meal. It’s incredibly family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults with its creamy texture and familiar flavors. The combination of tender tortellini, succulent chicken, and a rich alfredo sauce baked to perfection creates a comforting dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for a casual family dinner, a potluck contribution, or even a cozy night in. This recipe works because it uses readily available ingredients and simple steps, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience every time.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this chicken alfredo tortellini bake is straightforward, focusing on convenience and flavor. Most items are pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store, ensuring a smooth cooking process.

INGREDIENTS:

• 19 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 15 ounces alfredo sauce (jarred)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

For the cooked chicken, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked chicken strips, or quickly boil and shred a couple of chicken breasts. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can opt for a premium jarred alfredo sauce, or for a lighter touch, a reduced-fat version works well too. Any type of milk will do, from whole to skim, depending on your preference for creaminess. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your liking; a blend of Italian cheeses can also be a delicious substitute for just mozzarella and Parmesan.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for busy schedules.

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

The majority of the time is hands-off baking, allowing you to multitask or simply relax while your delicious dinner cooks. The quick prep involves minimal chopping and mixing, getting you from ingredients to oven in no time.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this delicious chicken alfredo tortellini bake is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time:

1. Preheat Your 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 and a smooth transfer of your finished bake.
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. It’s important not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the tortellini thoroughly.
3. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the jarred alfredo sauce, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined and smooth. The milk helps to thin the sauce slightly, preventing it from becoming too thick during baking, and the seasonings add a boost of flavor.
4. Mix Everything Together: Add the cooked and drained tortellini and the 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 creamy sauce.
5. Assemble and Top with Cheese: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese layer will melt into a golden, bubbly crust.
6. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. The sauce should also be heated through and simmering around the edges.
7. Rest and Garnish: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley 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 vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers. You can also swap the chicken for cooked Italian sausage or shrimp for a different flavor profile. To add some hidden veggies for kids, finely chop some broccoli or zucchini and mix it into the sauce.

When it comes to serving, this dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce. For a party or buffet, consider preparing it in individual ramekins for easy serving. Optional toppings include a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, extra grated Parmesan at the table, or a drizzle of truffle oil for an indulgent touch.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a simple recipe like this, a few common mistakes can impact the final dish. Knowing how to avoid them will ensure your chicken alfredo tortellini bake turns out perfectly every time.

One common slip-up is overcooking the tortellini before baking. Since the tortellini will continue to cook in the oven, boiling them until they are too soft initially can result in a mushy texture. Always cook them only until al dente, or even slightly undercooked, according to package directions.

Another mistake is not greasing the baking dish adequately. This can lead to the pasta sticking to the bottom and sides, making serving difficult and cleanup a chore. A light spray of cooking oil or a thin layer of butter will prevent this.

Using a cold alfredo sauce straight from the fridge without thinning it slightly can sometimes result in a very thick, almost pasty sauce after baking. Adding a bit of milk, as suggested in the recipe, helps maintain a creamy consistency throughout the baking process.

Finally, not letting the bake rest for a few minutes after coming out of the oven can make it difficult to portion cleanly. The brief resting period allows the sauce to set and the cheese to firm up slightly, making for neater servings. Patience for just five minutes makes a big difference!

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This chicken alfredo tortellini bake is fantastic for leftovers and can be prepared ahead of time with a few considerations to maintain its delicious texture.

To store leftovers, allow the bake to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, individual portions can be microwaved until heated through, stirring occasionally. For larger portions, place the bake back into an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil, and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to help restore some of the creaminess.

If you want to make it ahead, you can assemble the entire dish (without baking) 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 since it will be starting from a colder temperature. This make-ahead method is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish, as the tortellini and creamy sauce can sometimes change texture upon thawing and reheating, becoming a bit grainy or mushy.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common questions people have when preparing this easy chicken alfredo tortellini bake:

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated? Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just be sure to cook it according to package directions, typically boiling it for

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.