Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dinner that brings together everything you love about creamy pasta dishes in one easy, oven-baked recipe. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, a rich pesto Alfredo sauce, and layers of melted cheese, this casserole is hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and balanced with hints of garlic, basil, and Parmesan that make it feel both comforting and slightly elevated.

This easy homemade casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and family-approved without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are simple, the steps are straightforward, and the results are always impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy dinner, Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy recipe made with simple pantry ingredients
Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying
Beginner-friendly and no-fail
Family favorite that even picky eaters love
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Crowd-pleasing dinner for gatherings or potlucks

About the Ingredients

Pasta
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works perfectly for casseroles because it holds onto the creamy sauce and stays sturdy while baking.

Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender when sautéed before baking. Chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness.

Olive Oil
Used to sauté the chicken and add a light richness to the dish.

Butter & Garlic
Butter adds richness to the Alfredo base, while garlic provides bold, savory flavor.

Heavy Cream & Milk
This combination creates a smooth, creamy sauce that’s rich without being overly heavy.

Basil Pesto
Pesto adds fresh, herby flavor and takes this Alfredo casserole to the next level.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds saltiness, nuttiness, and depth to the sauce while helping it thicken naturally.

Spinach
Optional but highly recommended for added color, nutrition, and freshness.

Mozzarella Cheese
Creates the gooey, melty topping that makes this casserole irresistible.

Tips & Tricks

Cook pasta slightly under al dente so it doesn’t become mushy
Season chicken well before cooking for maximum flavor
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting
Stir sauce constantly to prevent scorching
Let the casserole rest before serving so it sets properly

These easy kitchen hacks ensure dessert-level success for a savory dinner recipe.

Pro Tips

Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed
Use rotisserie chicken to save time
Mix cheeses for a deeper flavor profile
Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra golden cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions, then drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and sauté until fully cooked and lightly golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add pesto and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
Return chicken, cooked pasta, and spinach to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated in sauce.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle mozzarella and additional Parmesan over the top.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

These easy step-by-step instructions make this one of the best casserole recipes for home cooks.

Variations

Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes
Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes
Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
Cheesy Upgrade: Add provolone or fontina cheese

These recipe variations make this casserole customizable and perfect for any taste.

How to Store Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Casserole

Store leftover Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. This makes it an excellent freezer-friendly and make-ahead dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I use tortellini instead of penne?
Absolutely. Cheese tortellini works beautifully and adds extra richness.

How do I keep the casserole creamy?
Avoid overbaking and let it rest before serving to maintain the sauce texture.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option.

Is this casserole good for meal prep?
Yes. It reheats well and tastes just as good the next day.

Emily