Chopped Pecans: Provides nutty crunch and toasty flavor dimension.
Melted Butter: Helps bind and brown topping ingredients.
Tortellini + Divan = These Are the Must-Haves
Dutch oven: Large, sturdy pot perfect for sautéing and creating creamy sauces.
Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending broth and creating lump-free sauce.
13×9-inch baking dish: Spacious pan for layering and baking the casserole.
Measuring cups: Precise for measuring butter, broth, and cheese.
Wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients while cooking.
Sharp knife: Useful for chopping onions, peppers, and preparing ingredients.
Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
Cooking a Creamy Bake That Satisfies Everyone
Kitchen Preparation Warm up your oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a spacious Dutch oven for our culinary adventure.
Flavor Foundation Sizzle diced onions, vibrant red bell peppers, and minced garlic until they dance with softness and release their aromatic magic.
Creamy Magic Whisk together a silky sauce that brings everything together, blending rich chicken broth with smooth half-and-half and a splash of wine.
Cheese and Spice Swirl in Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and a whisper of red pepper to awaken your taste buds.
Hearty Assembly Combine plump tortellini, tender chicken chunks, and bright broccoli florets in a welcoming baking dish.
Crunchy Topping Sprinkle a golden crown of Parmesan, crushed crackers, and chopped pecans over the creation.
Final Touch Bake until the edges bubble with excitement and the top turns a beautiful golden brown, filling your kitchen with irresistible warmth.
Tips to Maximize That Cheesy, Chicken Flavor
Switch out tortellini with cheese ravioli or penne for a different texture and flavor profile.
Replace chicken with cooked turkey, shrimp, or plant-based protein cubes for versatile meal options.
Mix in extra vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini to boost nutritional value and add colorful variety.
Use gluten-free flour and crackers for a celiac-friendly version, and substitute half-and-half with almond milk for a lighter cream sauce.
Serving Moments for Tortellini Chicken Divan
Cozy Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this hearty dish, perfect for Sunday dinners or casual get-togethers with friends and family.
Elegant Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, creamy flavors of the chicken and tortellini.
Fresh Side Companions: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the baked casserole and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy main course.
Leftover Magic: Enjoy this dish the next day for lunch, as the flavors continue to meld and develop overnight, making it an even more delicious meal when reheated gently.
Keeping This Dish Good for Seconds (and Thirds)
Refrigerator Ready: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce and tender tortellini maintain their delicious texture when carefully sealed and chilled.
Freezer Friendly: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. This method keeps the dish fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Portion Perfect: Divide the bake into individual servings using meal prep containers. These grab-and-go options make weekday lunches a breeze, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.
Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or restore the entire casserole’s crispy topping by baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan to revive the dish’s original deliciousness.
Comforting chicken divan tortellini bake combines creamy sauce with hearty pasta and tender chicken. Rich cheesy layers promise a satisfying meal you’ll devour with enthusiasm.
Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Vegetable Foundation: Melt butter in a Dutch oven, sauté onions, red bell peppers, and garlic until softened and aromatic, creating a flavor-rich base.
Sauce Creation: Dust vegetables with flour, then gradually introduce chicken broth, half-and-half, and white wine, whisking to develop a smooth, velvety sauce that thickens and coats the cooking utensil.
Flavor Enhancement: Blend Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes into the creamy mixture, allowing the cheese to melt completely and infuse the sauce with robust taste.
Assembly: Gently incorporate tortellini, broccoli florets, and diced chicken into the sauce, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated and distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
Topping Preparation: Combine remaining Parmesan, butter crackers, pecans, and melted butter to create a crunchy, textured crown for the casserole.
Baking Process: Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish, top with the cracker mixture, and bake for 40-45 minutes until the surface turns golden and edges bubble with appetizing intensity.
Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, letting flavors meld and sauce settle before presenting this comforting, creamy dish.
Notes
Prep Like a Pro: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
Sauce Secrets: Whisk constantly while adding liquids to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth sauce base.
Topping Technique: Crush butter crackers and pecans into small, even pieces for a perfectly balanced crispy layer.
Resting Ritual: Allow the casserole to rest after baking to help it set and make serving easier without falling apart.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.