Short Description
Experience savory comfort with this creamy, cheese-filled baked tortellini dish. Tender chicken and gooey cheese blends harmoniously under a golden baked top—perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and comforting: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.
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Creamy indulgence: A rich garlic-butter-Parmesan sauce envelops cheesy tortellini and tender chicken.
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Customizable: Easily adapted with sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, or extra heat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Fresh basil, chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Shredded mozzarella cheese
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Heavy cream
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Refrigerated cheese tortellini
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Italian seasoning
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Cream cheese, softened
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Cooked, shredded chicken breast
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Chicken broth
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Sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
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Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Unsalted butter
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a baking dish.
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Cook tortellini: Boil salted water and cook tortellini per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Make sauce: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese. Stir and simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add cheeses and seasoning: Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth and melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine pasta and chicken: Gently fold in the cooked tortellini and shredded chicken until evenly coated.
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Bake: Transfer to the prepared dish, top with extra Parmesan and mozzarella, and bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Yield: 4–6 servings
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Variations
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Sun‑dried tomato boost: Include the optional chopped sun‑dried tomatoes for tangy richness.
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Veggie add‑ins: Stir in spinach, roasted red peppers, or peas before baking.
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Extra flavor twist: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a tangy kick.
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Heat preference: Increase red pepper flakes or swirl in a tablespoon of sriracha for spice.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Let cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave individual portions, stirring midway, until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes. Cook frozen tortellini according to the package. They may need an extra minute or two to reach perfect doneness.
2. How can I make this dish lighter?
Use half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon.
3. Is rotisserie chicken okay to use?
Absolutely—rotisserie chicken is a great time‑saving option.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake until bubbly.
5. Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Certainly. Use cooked Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even cooked shrimp for variation.
6. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone or ricotta are suitable substitutes—creaminess may vary slightly.
7. How do I get a crispier topping?
Broil the dish for the final 1–2 minutes of baking to create extra golden, crispy cheese.
8. Can I make this gluten‑free?
Yes—substitute with gluten‑free tortellini and verify that broth and seasoning are gluten‑free.
9. What herbs pair well besides basil and parsley?
Fresh oregano, thyme, or chives are excellent complementary herbs.
10. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Freeze cooled, covered portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Baked Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is the answer to easy, comforting dinners. With its creamy garlic sauce, cheese-laced pasta, and juicy chicken, it delivers hearty satisfaction with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s a crave-worthy dish you’ll return to time and again.
[tasty-recipe id=”19775″]