The Perfect Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake Recipe for Families

Rich, creamy tortellini and chicken divan bake reinvents ordinary ingredients into a comforting culinary masterpiece that promises pure satisfaction.

Pasta lovers and home cooks seek meals combining convenience with incredible flavor profiles.

Hearty combinations of tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and velvety sauce create a harmonious dining experience.

Families appreciate one-dish meals that simplify weeknight dinner preparations while delivering maximum taste sensations.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe balances nutritional elements with indulgent textures that appeal to diverse palates.

Layered ingredients meld together, producing a golden-topped casserole that signals warmth and deliciousness.

Delightful aromas will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor each delectable bite.

Tasty Reasons to Make Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This dish delivers a luxurious, velvety sauce that hugs every tortellini and chicken piece with rich, cheesy goodness, creating ultimate comfort food.
• Crunch Meets Creaminess: The clever topping of crushed crackers and pecans adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, creamy casserole, giving each bite an exciting crunch.
• Quick Weekend Winner: With just 30 minutes of prep time and one-dish convenience, this recipe is perfect for busy families wanting a delicious meal without complicated cooking techniques, making dinner stress-free and satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy flavor, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a hearty, nutritious meal that feels like a special treat.

Ingredients Breakdown for This Cheesy Tortellini Bake

• Refrigerated Cheese-and-Spinach Tortellini: Soft, pre-made pasta with rich cheese and spinach filling for easy meal preparation.
• Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the casserole, best when freshly cooked or rotisserie.

• Sweet Onion: Provides sweet, mild base flavor for the sauce.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and mild sweetness to the dish.
• Fresh Broccoli: Crisp green vegetable that brings nutrition and texture to the casserole.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Rich, creamy component for sauce and topping, adds depth and smoothness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent for creating smooth, consistent sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that provides savory depth to the sauce.
• Half-and-Half: Creamy dairy product that creates rich, luxurious sauce texture.
• Dry White Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the sauce flavor.
• Freshly Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty cheese flavor in sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for additional cheesy crust.
• Table Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.
• Ground Red Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
• Round Buttery Crackers: Crispy topping for extra crunch.
• Pecans: Nutty, textural element for topping.

Directions for Assembling This Comfort-Filled Bake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F, getting ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Create Magical Sauce Base

• Butter
• Onion
• Red bell pepper
• Garlic

• Chicken broth
• Half-and-half
• White wine

• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Ground red pepper

Step 3: Build Your Casserole Layers

• Tortellini
• Broccoli
• Chopped chicken

Mix everything thoroughly and transfer to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Craft Crunchy Topping

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crushed crackers
• Chopped pecans
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this delightful mixture evenly across the casserole’s surface.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden brown and edges bubble with excitement.

Step 6: Serve And Celebrate

Let the casserole rest briefly, then serve warm. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Kitchen Tips for a Creamy and Cheesy Finish

• Cheese Melting Mastery: Let Parmesan cheese melt slowly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without breaking or becoming grainy.
• Veggie Crunch Control: Slightly undercook broccoli before adding to the casserole to prevent mushy texture during baking.
• Chicken Preparation Pro: Use pre-cooked, rotisserie chicken or quickly sauté chicken breast for consistent, tender meat throughout the dish.
• Topping Texture Trick: Crush crackers and nuts coarsely to ensure a crispy, varied topping that adds delightful crunch to the casserole.
• Wine Flavor Enhancement: Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to add depth without overpowering the other ingredients.

Reheat and Storage Advice for Divan Leftovers

Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover tortellini chicken divan bake into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container seals tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the dish’s flavor.

Freezer Storage: Wrap the casserole securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.

Reheating Method: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

Pairings That Go Well with Tortellini Divan

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy sauce and balance the rich flavors of the chicken and tortellini.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and add a refreshing contrast.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture that enhances the meal's overall experience.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or green beans to add extra nutrition and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the casserole's creamy profile.

Ideas to Switch Up Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake

• Seafood Symphony: Replace chicken with a medley of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat for an oceanic flavor profile. Add fresh dill and lemon zest to enhance the seafood's natural sweetness.
• Mediterranean Vegetarian Blend: Swap chicken for roasted eggplant, zucchini, and artichoke hearts. Incorporate feta cheese and Greek oregano to elevate the Mediterranean essence.
• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Substitute broccoli with roasted corn and black beans. Add diced jalapeños, cilantro, and swap white wine for tequila to create a zesty southwestern kick.
• Italian Sausage Upgrade: Replace chicken with crumbled Italian sausage and swap tortellini for cheese-filled ravioli. Include sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for an authentic Italian experience.

Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this hearty tortellini and chicken divan bake, blending Italian pasta with classic American casserole charm. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheese-kissed tortellini create a satisfying meal that welcomes you home with warmth and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese-and-spinach tortellini

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli
• ½ cup chopped sweet onion
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 ½ cups half-and-half
• 1 cup (4 ounces) freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquid and Broth:

• 3 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup dry white wine

Flour and Thickeners:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Seasoning:

• ¼ teaspoon table salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper

Topping:

• 15 round buttery crackers, crushed
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Fat and Butter:

• ½ cup butter
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a steady 350°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for optimal heat circulation.
2. Craft the velvety sauce by melting butter in a Dutch oven, transforming the base with aromatic onions, vibrant red bell peppers, and fragrant garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they soften and release their essential flavors.
3. Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, stirring meticulously to create a smooth roux. Allow the flour to toast briefly, eliminating any raw taste.
4. Gradually introduce chicken broth, half-and-half, and white wine, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a luxurious, silky texture.
5. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, developing a rich consistency. Remove from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese, introducing a salty depth with a hint of warmth from ground red pepper.
6. Incorporate tortellini, tender broccoli florets, and succulent chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring each ingredient is generously coated and intermingled.
7. Transfer the harmonious mixture to a thoroughly greased 13×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Compose a crisp, golden topping by combining Parmesan cheese, crushed crackers, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture across the casserole’s surface.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble with anticipation.
10. Rest the dish for a few minutes after removing from the oven, letting the flavors settle and the sauce stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Customize your casserole by experimenting with different tortellini varieties like spinach, cheese, or meat-filled options.
• Swap pecans for toasted almonds or breadcrumbs to adjust the topping’s texture and flavor profile.
• Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F for best results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg