The Perfect Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Tortellini chicken divan bake upgrades ordinary weeknight dinners into spectacular culinary adventures.

Hearty pasta rings nestle alongside succulent protein pieces in a luscious, bubbling landscape.

Each forkful promises remarkable depth and complex flavor profiles that dance across your palate.

Creamy textures mingle with crisp, golden edges that tempt even picky eaters.

The unexpected combination elevates traditional casserole expectations with sophisticated yet approachable ingredients.

Families and friends will gather eagerly around this comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake: A Hearty, Creamy Meal

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A rich, creamy casserole that wraps you in warmth with its luxurious blend of tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and vibrant vegetables.
• Gourmet-Level Simplicity: Transforms basic ingredients into an elegant one-dish meal that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant, yet requires minimal cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Adventure: Combines crunchy pecan-cracker topping with silky sauce and soft tortellini, creating a multi-dimensional eating experience that delights every bite.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Boost: Delivers a substantial 30g of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for satisfying hunger and supporting muscle health.

Must-Have Ingredients for Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the casserole.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that provides a hearty base for the dish.

• Broccoli: Adds nutrition and green color to the casserole.
• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth of flavor and texture.
• Garlic: Enhances overall taste with its robust, savory profile.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps create a creamy texture.
• Half-and-Half: Provides richness and smoothness to the sauce.

• Butter: Creates a smooth base for the sauce and adds richness.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.

• Crackers: Provide a crunchy texture to the casserole topping.
• Pecans: Add nutty flavor and extra crunch to the dish.
• Wine: Contributes complexity and depth to the sauce.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
• Red Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the casserole.

How to Make the Ultimate Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grab a Dutch oven for your delicious adventure.

Step 2: Sauté the Flavor Makers

• Onion
• Red bell pepper
• Garlic

Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables become wonderfully tender.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

• Chicken broth
• Half-and-half
• Wine

Cook for 6-8 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 4: Build the Delicious Layers

• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Red pepper

• Tortellini
• Broccoli
• Chicken

Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

• Parmesan cheese
• Crushed crackers
• Pecans
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this delightful mixture over the top of the dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the dish is bubbling and golden brown.

Tips for a Creamy and Flavorful Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake

• Boost Cheese Flavor: Use a blend of Parmesan and sharp white cheddar for a more complex, rich taste profile.
• Prevent Soggy Topping: Toast the cracker and pecan crumbs briefly in a skillet before sprinkling to enhance crispiness and prevent soaking.
• Maximize Chicken Tenderness: Choose rotisserie chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts to ensure moist, flavorful meat that won't dry out during baking.
• Control Sauce Consistency: If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth; if too thin, simmer an extra 2-3 minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
• Elevate Vegetable Texture: Blanch broccoli for 2 minutes in salted water before adding to the dish to maintain vibrant color and prevent overcooking.

Storing and Enjoying Leftover Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the dish whole or divide into individual portions for easier reheating.
• Microwave Method: Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer refrigerated casserole to an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping.

Best Pairings for Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the rich, buttery flavors of the chicken divan bake.
• Choose Bright Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and add a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy tortellini.
• Serve Crusty Artisan Bread: Grab a rustic baguette or sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a delightful textural crunch alongside the tender chicken and pasta.
• Finish with Citrus Sorbet: End the meal with a tangy lemon or orange sorbet to cleanse the palate and offer a refreshing, light dessert after the rich main course.

Creative Variations of Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or tender crab meat for a luxurious ocean-inspired casserole.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap chicken for hearty roasted mushrooms or plant-based protein like tofu cubes, keeping the creamy sauce and tortellini intact.
• Mediterranean Inspiration: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap some Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-style transformation.
• Spicy Southwest Upgrade: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap red bell pepper for jalapeños, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top for a zesty kick.

Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Best Tortellini & Chicken Divan Bake marries classic comfort with gourmet flair, blending creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and cheese-filled pasta. Mediterranean-inspired flavors mingle with rich, satisfying ingredients that promise a delightful dining experience you’ll savor with each forkful.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

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

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli
• ½ cup chopped sweet onion
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon table salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups half-and-half
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 cup (4 ounces) freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Topping:

• 15 round buttery crackers, crushed
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 13×9-inch (33×23 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large Dutch oven, melt unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onions, diced red bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for 5-6 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
3. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and create a smooth base.
4. Gradually pour in chicken broth, half-and-half, and white wine, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer the mixture for 6-8 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes into the creamy sauce. Stir until the cheese melts completely.
6. Gently fold in refrigerated tortellini, fresh broccoli florets, and cooked, diced chicken. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
8. For the topping, combine the remaining Parmesan cheese, crushed butter crackers, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly.
9. Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the casserole, covering the entire surface.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Creamy comfort food meets gourmet twist with this easy weeknight dinner sensation.
• Make-ahead friendly casserole travels beautifully to potlucks and family gatherings.
• Cracker and pecan topping adds irresistible crunch that elevates the entire dish’s texture.
• Swap wine with extra chicken broth for family-friendly version without losing depth of flavor.
• Pro tip: Use rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time and boost convenience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 700 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg