Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole
A flavorful and cheesy chicken tortellini casserole with spicy peppers, broccoli, and cumin, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 c. broccoli flowerets ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 3/4 c. milk
- 3/4 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 4 c. cooked chicken, cut-up ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 pkg. cheese-filled tortellini, cooked and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook broccoli, onion, and red bell pepper in the oil for about 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Remove vegetables from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir in the flour, cooking for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, then add ground cumin.
- Cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked, chopped chicken to the sauce and mix well.
- Stir in half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Combine the cooked tortellini with the chicken mixture and vegetables.
- Transfer everything to the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce. You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor. If you want to add more vegetables, zucchini or spinach would work well. Ensure the tortellini is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty side. For a more festive touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole contains roughly 1354 calories, with 27g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (95% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), and calcium (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1018mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the casserole. This ensures that it is properly cooked and maintains its texture in the dish.
What can I substitute for chicken in this casserole?
You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. The cooking time may vary slightly, so check that everything is heated through before serving.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You could also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).