Baked Chicken Enchilada Tortellini Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Tortellini Casserole A TexMex Twist
By SandraUpdated:

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get a craving for both Mexican and Italian? Well, I did. This Chicken enchilada tortellini casserole is the answer! It's cheesy, spicy, and totally comforting.

Brief Overview

This recipe is a wild fusion of Italian and Mexican flavors. Think cheesy tortellini meets spicy enchiladas. It's an easy casserole recipe , perfect for a weeknight dinner.

It feeds about 4 hungry people and takes about 45 minutes.

Main Benefits

Honestly, this casserole is all about comfort food. It's a family friendly casserole dish that's surprisingly quick to throw together. The cheesy goodness will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Chicken Enchilada Tortellini Bake Is a Game Changer

So, what makes this chicken tortellini bake so special? First off, it's incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level.

This spicy chicken casserole can be very mild, but be careful with it, because i love spicy food.

Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover chicken. I often use rotisserie chicken to save time. Talk about a lifesaver.

Cheesy enchilada tortellini is such a hit, you will love it.

It's also packed with protein, thanks to the chicken and cheese. This recipe is your next perfect meal. Chicken enchilada casserole recipe will make your life easier.

Let's Talk Ingredients

Okay, let's whip up a batch of this goodness. You'll need some cheese tortellini. I grab the refrigerated kind. You will also need cooked chicken, onion, bell pepper, and enchilada sauce.

Don't forget the cheese and sour cream for that creamy, cheesy kick.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Chicken Enchilada Tortellini Casserole

Okay, let's whip up a batch of chicken enchilada tortellini casserole ! This recipe is so easy, you won't believe how yummy it is.

Honestly, it's a Mexican Italian fusion recipe that even picky eaters love. Plus, it's one of those easy casserole recipes perfect for a busy weeknight.

Main Players: The Ingredients

Time to gather your supplies. Get ready for this family friendly casserole dishes recipe!

  • Tortellini: You'll need 9 oz (255g) of refrigerated cheese tortellini. Quality tortellini makes a difference. Get the fresh kind.
  • Cooked Chicken: Grab 2 cups (300g) of cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here. It's a great shortcut.
  • Onion: Just 1 small onion (100g) , diced. Yellow or white works fine.
  • Bell Pepper: One small bell pepper ( 100g ). Use whatever color you like!
  • Diced Green Chilies: A 4 oz (113g) can of diced green chilies. These give it a nice kick.
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon (5ml) each of ground cumin and chili powder. Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Red Enchilada Sauce: One 10 oz (283g) can of red enchilada sauce. Use mild, medium, or hot, depending on your taste.
  • Sour Cream: Get 1 cup (227g) of sour cream. Full fat gives the best flavor.
  • Cheese: You'll need 1 cup (113g) each of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack. Or use a Mexican blend.
  • Optional Garnish: Fresh cilantro or green onions. Adds a nice pop of freshness.

Seasoning and Flavor: The Secret Sauce

This Chicken tortellini bake relies on the right spices. Cumin and chili powder are key. They create that classic enchilada flavor.

Don't skip them! For a spicy chicken casserole , add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Or use hot enchilada sauce.

No green chilies? Use a dash of hot sauce instead.

Equipment: What You'll Need

You don't need fancy equipment for this cheesy enchilada tortellini dish.

  • 9x13-inch baking dish (23x33cm) : This is essential.
  • Large bowl : For mixing all the ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons : For accurate measurements.
  • Colander : To drain the cooked tortellini.

That’s it! With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to make this a quick dinner casserole ideas . I promise, this tortellini enchilada bake will become a family favorite.

Let's Talk Chicken Enchilada Tortellini Casserole

Okay, let's whip up this Chicken enchilada tortellini casserole recipe. Honestly, it's the kind of meal that makes everyone happy.

Especially if your family wants an easy casserole recipes . It's like a hug in a dish, you know? This isn't just food; it's comfort.

So this dish is something like Mexican Italian fusion recipe , which is fun. It's so quick to make for those quick dinner casserole ideas .

Prep Steps: The "Mise en Place" Magic

First things first. Let's get our "mise en place" sorted. That's fancy chef talk for getting everything prepped before you start.

Dice that onion and bell pepper. Nobody wants to bite into a huge chunk of onion. Time saving tip: I usually chop all my veggies on Sunday, so weeknight cooking is a breeze.

Also this a great family friendly casserole dishes .

step-by-step: Building Your Casserole Masterpiece

  1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease your 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook your tortellini al dente. Don't overcook it! Mushy pasta is a no-no.
  3. Mix your chicken, onion, bell pepper, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper, half enchilada sauce, and half sour cream.
  4. Fold in the cooked tortellini.
  5. Layer half the tortellini mixture in the dish. Add half of the remaining sauce, sour cream, and cheese.
  6. Repeat the layers. Now the tortellini enchilada bake is almost finished.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes . Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes . You are doing a cheesy enchilada tortellini so you want it bubbly.
  8. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or green onions, if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Don’t overcook the tortellini. It will get mushy in the oven. Use rotisserie chicken! It’s a lifesaver and cuts down on prep time.

Don't skip the resting period! The casserole sets and cuts easier.

What's that? A spicy chicken casserole ? Easy! Add more chili powder or use a hotter enchilada sauce. Enjoy this great Chicken tortellini bake !.

Recipe Notes: Your Chicken Enchilada Tortellini Casserole Journey!

Alright, so you're about to make this amazing Chicken enchilada tortellini casserole . It’s an absolute winner! Let's chat about making it even better, shall we? Honestly, I've made this a bunch of times, and these are the little things I've picked up along the way.

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Fiesta On!

Presentation matters, doesn't it? I love to dollop a bit of sour cream on top of each serving of cheesy enchilada tortellini , maybe with a sprig of cilantro.

Makes it look fancy, even though it's ridiculously easy. As for sides, how about some classic Mexican rice and refried beans? They’re the perfect partners.

Oh, and a margarita never hurts. Just saying.

Storage Tips: Leftovers? Lucky You!

Okay, if you have any leftovers of this family friendly casserole dishes (which is a big if in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

They'll be good for about 3 days. Reheating is a breeze. Just pop a slice in the microwave or oven until it's warmed through.

Freezing? Yeah, you can freeze this tortellini casserole . Wrap it well in foil and then plastic wrap. It'll last for up to 2 months.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations: Remix Your Casserole!

Want to shake things up? Try a spicy chicken casserole by using hot enchilada sauce. And for my veggie friends, swap the chicken for black beans and corn.

Works a treat. You can also adapt the Chicken enchilada casserole recipe by using plant based chicken instead of real chicken or switching Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier version.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This Mexican Italian fusion recipe is packed with protein from the chicken and cheese. Plus, you get some veggies in there too! It's got a good amount of calories.

This is a comfort food classic!

So there you have it. A few extra tips and tricks to make your tortellini enchilada bake totally rock. Now go on, get cooking! You've got this! This easy casserole recipes meal will quickly turn into a quick dinner casserole ideas

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Chicken Enchilada Tortellini Casserole ahead of time? I'm juggling more than Mary Berry on bake off day!

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. It's a real time saver when you're planning a busy week, easier than avoiding a soggy bottom!

What can I substitute if I don't have all the ingredients for the chicken enchilada tortellini casserole?

No worries, mate, substitutions are easy! If you don't have tortellini, try another pasta shape like small shells or rotini. For the chicken, leftover turkey or even ground beef works great. And if you're out of sour cream, Greek yogurt is a perfectly acceptable (and slightly healthier) substitute.

Think of it as a "make do and mend" for your kitchen!

How spicy is this Chicken Enchilada Tortellini Casserole? My kids are more "Pingu" than "Hot Ones"!

Spice levels are completely customizable! Use a mild enchilada sauce and omit the diced green chilies entirely for a kid-friendly version. You can always add a dash of hot sauce to your own plate if you like a bit more kick.

Think of it as dialling it up or down like the volume on your favourite tune, adjusting to suit all tastes.

How should I store leftovers of this Baked Chicken Enchilada Tortellini?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. It actually tastes even better the next day, once the flavours have had time to meld together, similar to a good stew or curry.

Is there a vegetarian version I could try of the Chicken Enchilada Tortellini Casserole?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for black beans, corn, and extra veggies like zucchini or squash. You can also find vegetarian "chicken" substitutes in most supermarkets now. Just make sure your enchilada sauce is vegetarian friendly, as some contain chicken broth. It's like giving the dish a "meat free makeover"!

Baked Chicken Enchilada Tortellini Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Tortellini Casserole A TexMex Twist Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:15 Mins
Cooking time:30 Mins
Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories550
Fat30g
Fiber40g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineMexican Italian Fusion

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