This one was definitely one of those accident meals. Throw in a little of this, a little of that BUT this cheese tortellini with chicken bake was a huge hit with my kids! Everyone had seconds and I’m sure you will too!
Tips For a Marvelous Cheese Tortellini With Chicken Bake
When it comes to cooking, flexibility can be a chef’s best friend. In the culinary world, inspiration can strike at any moment, and sometimes you just have to go with the flow. That’s exactly what happened when I decided to whip up a delicious cheese tortellini with chicken bake.
Here are some tips I find helpful when it comes to this recipe:
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Swap Ingredients
I had initially planned to make a different recipe but creative spark led me to this mouthwatering tortellini dish instead. The beauty of cooking at home is that you have the freedom to improvise and use what you have on hand. Remember, recipes are just guidelines; feel free to swap ingredients to suit your taste and pantry.
2. Seasoning is Key
Seasoning is the secret to turning ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones. For this tortellini bake, I used a blend of salt, fresh cracked pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano (though dried basil works too), and fresh basil leaves. The combination of these flavors elevated the dish to a new level. Don’t be shy with your seasonings; they make all the difference.
3. The Cheesier, the Better
What’s a comforting Italian dish without cheese? I went all out with ricotta and mozzarella cheese in this recipe. The ricotta adds creaminess, while the mozzarella gives that irresistible cheesy pull. If you’re a cheese lover like me, you can never have too much. Feel free to adjust the cheese quantities to satisfy your cravings.
4. Create a Perfectly Melty Top
To achieve that golden, bubbly cheese crust on top, you have two options. You can broil it for a few minutes or bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. It’s all about personal preference. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
5. Kid-Friendly and Delicious
If you’re cooking for kids, this dish is a winner. Its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors make it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy for your little ones to enjoy while you’re away. I’ve found that making kid-friendly dishes when I’m not around makes mealtime smoother for everyone.
In the world of home cooking, spontaneity often leads to the most delightful culinary discoveries. So, embrace your inner chef, swap ingredients, season generously, and savor the delicious results of your Ground Chicken Tortellini Bake. It’s a reminder that some of the best recipes are born from creativity and a well-stocked pantry.
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Cheese Tortellini With Chicken Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Indulge in a cheesy Italian delight with this Ground Chicken Tortellini Bake. This hearty dish combines seasoned ground chicken, tender tortellini, and a medley of cheeses for a mouthwatering family favorite. Perfectly melty and kid-friendly, it’s a quick and easy dinner option that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
- Handful of fresh basil leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
- 24 ounces pasta sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 package (16-20 ounces) tortellini pasta
Instructions
- Start by browning the ground chicken in a large pan.
- In another pot, boil water to cook the tortellini according to the package instructions.
- While the chicken is cooking, season it with salt, fresh cracked pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano (or basil), and fresh basil leaves (or dried basil).
- Once the chicken is browned, add the pasta sauce and heat it through.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese until well combined.
- Add about 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the mixture.
- Drain the cooked tortellini and add it to the sauce, mixing everything together.
- Optionally, add a splash (about 1/4 cup) of pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top it with the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil the dish until the cheese is melted and golden brown, or bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Serve your delicious Ground Chicken Tortellini Bake hot, and enjoy!
- Cook Time: 35
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