Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two

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Golden, bubbling, and oozing with layers of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and pillowy tortellini, this Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two is comfort food perfection. Each forkful offers a rich combination of savory flavors and textures—from gooey mozzarella to garlicky spinach and herby notes throughout. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a date-night indulgence, this dish feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Designed to serve two, it’s the perfect portion for sharing without the stress of leftovers. It’s also incredibly flexible, allowing room for your favorite cheese blends, add-ins like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes, or using rotisserie chicken to speed things up. Whether you’re craving a comforting winter meal or need an easy dinner idea that feels gourmet, this baked pasta delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two

• It’s ultra-creamy and packed with cheesy goodness.
• Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
• Scales easily for a date night or a cozy solo dinner.
• Customizable—swap proteins, add veggies, or try different cheeses.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prep this dish properly, you’ll want a few essential kitchen tools:

• Medium Saucepan: To simmer the creamy sauce and meld flavors.
• Baking Dish (8×8 inch or similar): Ideal for layering and even baking.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing ingredients together before baking.
• Whisk: Helps make the sauce smooth and lump-free.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring and serving.

These tools aren’t just accessories—they ensure the sauce is silky, the pasta is evenly coated, and the bake cooks uniformly with a golden finish.

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Preparation Tips

Start by preheating your oven so it’s ready when you are. If using refrigerated or frozen tortellini, slightly undercook them before baking to avoid mushiness. Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and reduce steps. When making the sauce, slowly whisk in the milk or cream to prevent curdling and keep the mixture smooth. Layer everything well in the baking dish—don’t just mix and dump. This lets the cheese melt evenly across the top while keeping the inside creamy. Lastly, let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and enhance flavor.

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Ingredients for this Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two

• 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini (about half a standard package)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small baking dish (around 8×8 inches) with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook for just 2-3 minutes (or about a minute less than package directions). Drain and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw taste. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

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Step 4: Add Flavor to the Sauce

Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup mozzarella and all of the Parmesan until melted and creamy.

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Step 5: Assemble the Bake

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the tortellini, chicken, spinach, and cheese sauce. Fold together until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

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Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top for that irresistible cheesy crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top. If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a deeper golden finish.

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Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the bake to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly and enhances the flavor. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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Notes

This dish is best served hot and fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is perfectly gooey and the sauce is at peak creaminess. While the recipe is designed for two, you can double it easily to serve a family or make extra for lunch the next day. Using quality cheese and fresh spinach adds a noticeable difference in flavor, so opt for fresh ingredients whenever possible. You can substitute frozen spinach—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it in.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the tortellini: This leads to mushy pasta once baked. Always undercook slightly.
• Using cold milk straight from the fridge: This can cause lumps in the sauce. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes first.
• Skipping the resting time: Cutting in too early can make the dish runny instead of creamy.
• Overloading with cheese: While tempting, too much cheese can overpower the other flavors and become greasy.
• Not draining spinach properly: If using frozen spinach, any remaining water can water down your sauce.

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Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through—this preserves the texture better than a microwave. If microwaving, add a splash of milk and cover with a damp paper towel to keep the sauce moist.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 640
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 810mg
• Cholesterol: 105mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, just cook them slightly less than the package recommends before adding to the bake.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of spinach?

You can substitute kale, arugula, or even chopped broccoli for a different green.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, though it’s best fresh. Freeze after baking, wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Use plant-based milk, dairy-free cheese, and vegan butter. Results may vary slightly in texture.

What other proteins can I use?

Cooked sausage, ground turkey, or leftover ham work well in place of chicken.

How can I make this spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or stir in diced jalapeños or spicy sausage.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely. Try sharp cheddar, fontina, provolone, or a smoked gouda blend for variety.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two is a true comfort food winner—easy to prepare, loaded with flavor, and portioned perfectly for an intimate dinner. With its creamy sauce, cheesy layers, and hearty protein, it hits all the right notes. Versatile and satisfying, this dish is destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with someone special, this is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from the oven.

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