Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Casserole brings together tender cheese tortellini, juicy shredded chicken, and rich Alfredo sauce all baked to golden perfection. Topped with a buttery panko crust and finished with fresh parsley, it’s a hearty dinner that’s easy to prepare and always a family favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ready in under an hour
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Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
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Uses store-bought or homemade Alfredo sauce
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Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep
Ingredients Breakdown
Base Components:
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Cheese tortellini (1 lb, cooked al dente):
Adds texture and cheesy flavor—makes the casserole hearty and satisfying. -
Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded):
Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience and flavor. -
Alfredo sauce (1 jar, 15 oz):
Creamy and savory, the base of the casserole. Homemade or store-bought works.
Cheesy Filling:
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Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded):
Melts beautifully and adds gooey texture. -
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated):
Adds sharp, nutty depth and helps with browning on top. -
Sour cream (½ cup):
Adds richness and a slight tang that balances the creamy sauce.
Seasoning & Herbs:
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Garlic powder (1 tsp):
Boosts the savory flavor. -
Black pepper (½ tsp):
Adds a bit of heat and contrast. -
Salt (¼ tsp or to taste):
Enhances all the flavors—adjust based on your Alfredo sauce. -
Fresh parsley (¼ cup + extra for garnish):
Brightens and adds color to the dish.
Crunchy Topping:
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Panko breadcrumbs (½ cup):
Provides a crispy contrast to the creamy base. -
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, melted):
Helps brown the topping and adds flavor.
Tips and Tricks
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Don’t overcook the tortellini before baking—it will continue to cook in the oven.
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Use rotisserie chicken to cut prep time in half.
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Want more flavor? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or Italian seasoning to the mix.
Variations and Customizations
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Swap the protein: Try cooked Italian sausage, ground turkey, or leftover ham.
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Make it spicy: Stir in a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
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Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli make great additions.
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Use different cheeses: Mix in Gruyère, asiago, or fontina for a gourmet twist.
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad
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Add roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus on the side
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
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To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through or microwave single servings.
Popular Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just cook it according to package directions before adding to the casserole.
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Is it okay to make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute with similar texture and tang.
Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy tortellini, tender chicken, and creamy Alfredo sauce baked under a crispy panko crust—comfort food heaven
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Ingredients
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1 pound cheese tortellini, cooked al dente
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
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1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce (or 2 cups homemade)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
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½ cup sour cream
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¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Cooked tortellini
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Shredded chicken
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Alfredo sauce
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Sour cream
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Half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses
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Garlic powder, salt, pepper
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Fresh parsley
Stir until everything is evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Add Cheese and Topping
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Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top.
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In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
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Scatter the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until:
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The cheese is bubbly
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The top is golden brown
6. Cool and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color.
Notes
This easy Alfredo chicken tortellini bake is ideal for weeknights when you want something satisfying and stress-free. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with comforting flavors the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
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