Casseroles have a special place in the heart of comfort food cuisine, and this Creamy Chicken and Veggie Tortellini Casserole is no exception. It combines tender tortellini, succulent chicken, and a medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is not only satisfying and flavorful but also straightforward to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a comforting family meal any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and diced
- 1 (19 oz) package of frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for your casserole.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Quickly blanch the broccoli, carrots, and zucchini in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes to soften them slightly. Drain and set aside.
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched vegetables, and frozen tortellini. In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to ensure everything is well-coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the ingredients out evenly.
5. Add Toppings: If using, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the top of the casserole for added crunch and flavor.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the creamy sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.
Nutritional Consideration:
This casserole offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and dairy. For a healthier version, consider using low-fat cream cheese or a lighter cream substitute. Additionally, whole wheat tortellini can be used to increase fiber content.
Conclusion:
The Creamy Chicken and Veggie Tortellini Casserole is a testament to the versatility and appeal of casseroles. It is a perfect dish for those evenings when you need something hearty yet simple enough to throw together quickly. Each bite offers a blend of flavors and textures from the tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauce. Serve this dish up on a chilly evening to warm your household with its comforting embrace. Whether you’re cooking for a family supper or entertaining friends, this casserole is sure to be a hit, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
PrintCreamy Chicken and Veggie Tortellini Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Veggie Tortellini Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish, featuring cheese-filled tortellini, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables in a creamy sauce. It's baked to perfection for a dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Cheese tortellini
- Cooked chicken, shredded
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Chicken broth
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked tortellini, chicken, vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth.
- Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor.
- Add a crispy topping with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, sprinkled over before the final baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of dish
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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