Creamy. Cheesy. No-boil. No-fuss. Just dump, bake, and devour.
Quick Overview
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
- Protein: 25–35g per serving
- Calories: 420–560 per serving (varies by sauce)
- Category: Comfort food, One-pan, High-protein
- WW Points: ~9–11 (adjust by brand/sauce)
- Level: Beginner friendly
Ingredients List
Core Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie works great!)
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix & Dump
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Refrigerated tortellini (uncooked!)
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Alfredo sauce
- Milk
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- Stir everything together until well coated.
Pro tip: Add some frozen spinach, cooked mushrooms, or peas if you want to sneak in veggies.
Step 3: Bake It!
- Pour the entire mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle with:
- Remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 4: Uncover & Broil
- Remove the foil.
- Broil on high for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
- Serve hot with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted veggies
Why This Recipe Works
- Dump-and-bake simplicity: No need to pre-boil pasta!
- One pan wonder: Less dishes = more cozy time.
- Protein-packed: Great post-workout comfort food.
- Kid-approved + freezer-friendly: Make double, save one.
Homemade Alfredo Sauce (Optional)
Want to make your own? Here’s a fast version:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt, pepper, and garlic to taste
Method:
- Melt butter in a pan.
- Whisk in flour, cook for 1–2 mins.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly.
- Simmer until thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan.
- Season and use immediately.
Variations
🔹 Protein Upgrades:
- Add cooked Italian sausage, turkey, or bacon.
- Mix in rotisserie chicken skin for more flavor.
🔹 Veggie Boost:
- Add broccoli florets, spinach, mushrooms, or peas.
🔹 Spicy Kick:
- Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chipotle.
🔹 Crusty Top Option:
- Add a topping of panko breadcrumbs + olive oil before final broil for a crunchy finish.
Storage & Meal Prep
| Storage Type | How Long | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | 3–4 days | Store in airtight container |
| Freezer | 2 months | Freeze unbaked (cover tightly) |
| Reheating | 375°F oven or microwave | Add splash of milk before reheating for creaminess |
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 1/8th pan)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
| Fiber | 1.2g |
Story Behind the Recipe
“This was my panic dinner on a night when I forgot to defrost anything and my toddler was hangry. I dumped everything in a pan with leftover chicken and crossed my fingers… and oh my GOD — it was creamy, comforting magic. Now it’s our Sunday night ‘save-my-sanity’ meal.”
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes! Just thaw before using or add 10 extra mins to baking time.
Q: Can I use jarred sauce?
A: Absolutely — use your favorite Alfredo or garlic Parmesan blend.
Q: How to make it lighter?
A: Use reduced-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of Alfredo, and add extra veggies.
Q: Is it freezer-friendly?
A: Yes — assemble and freeze before baking for best texture.