Tomato and Chicken Tortellini Bake

Indulge in a taste of comfort with our Sun-dried Tomato and Chicken Tortellini Bake—a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its deliciously satisfying flavors and easy preparation. Follow along to discover the secrets to creating this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 (9-ounce) package of refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 (8-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped (reserve 2 tablespoons oil)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook Tortellini:
   • Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Saute Aromatics:
   • In a large skillet, heat the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Chicken and Spinach:
   • Stir in the chopped cooked chicken and baby spinach leaves, cooking until the spinach wilts.
5. Prepare Sauce:
   • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add the dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Assemble Bake:
   • Spread half of the cooked tortellini in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Top with half of the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken mixture.
   • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
   • Repeat the layers with the remaining tortellini, chicken mixture, and cheeses.
7. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish the baked tortellini with fresh basil leaves, if desired, before serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add Italian Sausage: For added flavor, brown Italian sausage in the skillet before sautéing the onion and garlic.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Variation: Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream for a lighter version of the dish.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto Version: To make this dish keto-friendly, use cauliflower gnocchi or shirataki noodles in place of the cheese tortellini. Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream, and use a low-carb tomato sauce instead of sun-dried tomatoes.
• Low-Carb Version: Reduce the amount of tortellini or omit them entirely. Increase the amount of chicken and vegetables to make the dish more filling without adding extra carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated? A: Yes, you can use dried tortellini, but you may need to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil and bake as directed when ready.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Elevate your dinner table with the irresistible flavors of our Sun-dried Tomato and Chicken Tortellini Bake—a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly evening or hosting a dinner party with friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade goodness.

Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Sun-dried Tomato and Chicken Tortellini Bake—a deliciously satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its creamy sauce, flavorful chicken, and tender tortellini, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. So why wait? Dive into a bowl of comfort today and treat yourself to a taste of culinary bliss!