Name: Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cheese tortellini (refrigerated or fresh); 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped; 1 cup fresh spinach; 4 ounces cream cheese; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing spinach)

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish without making a full family-sized tray, this Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two is your answer. It’s rich, satisfying, and just the right portion for a cozy night in. With juicy chunks of chicken, cheesy tortellini, spinach, and a creamy white sauce all baked to bubbly perfection, it’s comfort food made elegant.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, date night, or simply treating yourself to a warm homemade meal, this tortellini bake checks all the boxes. It’s quick to assemble, filled with flavor, and bakes beautifully in under 30 minutes. Pair it with a fresh side salad and a glass of white wine, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy dinner in the comfort of your home.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

For this recipe, refrigerated cheese tortellini is your best bet. It cooks quickly and adds a creamy, cheesy bite that complements the chicken and sauce beautifully. You can also use frozen tortellini—just be sure to boil it beforehand and drain well. Avoid dried tortellini as it tends to be too firm and less flavorful for this style of baked dish.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two

Cheese Tortellini – This is the hearty base of the dish. Choose refrigerated or fresh tortellini filled with ricotta or a cheese blend for the creamiest texture.

Cooked Chicken Breast – Adds protein and heartiness. Using pre-cooked or leftover rotisserie chicken makes this dish super fast.

Fresh Spinach – A pop of green and a touch of earthiness that balances the richness of the sauce.

Cream Cheese – This forms the silky foundation of the white sauce. It melts beautifully and adds depth.

Milk – Helps to thin the cream cheese into a pourable, luscious sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese – Gives you that irresistible gooey, melty top.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Add subtle, savory flavor without needing to sauté.

Salt & Pepper – Season to taste for balance.

Olive Oil or Butter – Used for lightly sautéing spinach if preferred.

How To Make the Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two

Step 1: Boil the Tortellini

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions—usually about 3–5 minutes if using fresh or refrigerated. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream cheese and milk. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it.

Step 3: Prep the Spinach and Chicken

If using fresh spinach, quickly sauté it in a drizzle of olive oil or butter until wilted. Chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. You can also skip this step if using pre-cooked spinach.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, chicken, spinach, and creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (around 8×8 inches or a 1-quart dish). Pour the tortellini mixture into the dish and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling. For extra browning, broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes for easier scooping.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake

This dish is perfect piping hot, served straight from the oven. Pair it with a side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a crusty slice of garlic bread to mop up that dreamy cheesy sauce. For an elevated touch, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of parmesan just before serving.

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon chilling, so add a small splash of milk before reheating to loosen it back up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step. Just cover the assembled dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Can I freeze the tortellini bake?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. Make sure it’s fully cooled, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to one month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F, covered, until heated through.

What kind of chicken should I use?

Cooked chicken breast or thigh both work great. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers are delicious additions. Just make sure to sauté or roast them beforehand to avoid excess moisture.

Is this spicy?

Nope, it’s quite mild and creamy. But you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if you want a little kick.

What size baking dish should I use?

An 8×8 inch dish or 1-quart casserole is perfect for this recipe. It creates just the right portion for two with generous helpings.

Want More Comfort Food Pasta Ideas?

If this cozy Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake for Two hits the spot, you might love trying out these other crave-worthy dishes too:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a spicy, savory twist.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta when you’re short on time but need full flavor.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for those buttery, skillet-style cravings.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup if you want spoonable comfort in a bowl.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a bold, cheesy upgrade.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again whenever that cheesy craving strikes: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

Tried it? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you add mushrooms or go classic? Maybe a spicy twist? I always love hearing how you make these meals your own. Let’s inspire each other in the kitchen.