5 from 2 votes

Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole

If you are a fan of cheese tortellini, you have to give this Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole recipe a try. It is the ultimate casserole recipe, that is loaded with tender tortellini, veggies, in a creamy sauce with chicken throughout. The ultimate comfort food recipe to make. 

With the cold weather, I’ve been craving comfort food. I know it’s not the best thing to be eating when you’re dieting, but I figure I’m too cold to care. This recipe for Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole is fairly straightforward to make (though there’s some prep work) and really hits the spot.

Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole - Tortellini pasta with veggies and chicken enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy tortilla chips. An easy family dinner recipe ready in under 1 hour.

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It’s one that comes from my mom’s Betty Crocker Cookbook that has been in our family for a number of years. I always love finding recipes like this that truly transform your mealtime at home. I highly recommend checking out this cookbook, it is loaded with fantastic recipes. 

Can I Change Out Vegetables In Chicken Tortellini Casserole

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    It’s very versatile and you can change up the veggies with what you have on hand or what is in season! I have used zucchini before and that was a fantastic switch. Cauliflower, diced carrots are both great options as well. Feel free to play around with what fits your tastebuds. 

    Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole - Tortellini pasta with veggies and chicken enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy tortilla chips. An easy family dinner recipe ready in under 1 hour.


    Can You Use Cream Instead of Milk in Tortellini Casserole 

    You bet! The cream will add an extra measure of richness to the dish. Just use the same amount the recipe calls for. Enjoy! I have used both, it just depends on what I have on hand at the time. 

    What Can I Use in Place of Tortilla Chips 

    If you don’t have tortilla chips on hand or maybe don’t like them, you can use crushed up crackers, plain chips, or even bread crumbs. The tortilla chips give this dish that Santa Fe flavor, but it doesn’t have to be used in the recipe.  

    Is Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole Spicy

    The cumin gives it a kick of flavor, but this dish is not spicy. There are always requests for second helpings! If you want to amplify the flavor you can always add in some spice. Whether cayenne seasoning, a splash of hot sauce, etc. 

    Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole - Tortellini pasta with veggies and chicken enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy tortilla chips. An easy family dinner recipe ready in under 1 hour.

    What to Serve with Santa Fe Tortellini Casserole 

    • Green Salad | We generally reach for a classic side salad with a light dressing. Add whatever toppings you want and dive in. Or if you want do a southwest chopped salad for more Santa Fe flair. 
    • Bread | If you want to elevate the comfort food flavor, pair some bread with your dish. Whether dinner rolls, crusty bread, or even garlic bread. 
    • Veggies | I know there are vegetables in the dish, but you can always add even more with a side of roasted or steamed veggies. 

    How to Make Santa Fe Tortellini Casserole

    Start by heating your skillet with oil and sauteing your onions, broccoli, and pepper for around five minutes. You want them to get tender and fragrant. Remove all the veggies on a plate. 

    In the same skillet, you then add in oil, flour, and mix to create a roux. Once it is smooth slowly add in your milk and chicken broth along with cumin. Heat until it begins to boil, and make sure to stir constantly. Once it boils you can remove from heat. Then toss in your chicken, cooked vegetables, 3/4 cup cheese, and your pasta. Stir and then pour into a 9×13 baking dish. 

    Bake for 25 minutes. Then remove and top with crushed tortilla chips, rest of cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot!  

    Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole - Tortellini pasta with veggies and chicken enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy tortilla chips. An easy family dinner recipe ready in under 1 hour.

    How to Store Leftover Casserole 

    You can keep this casserole in the refrigerator for up to three days. Anything after that use your best judgment in terms of if it has gone bad or not. 

    Best Way to Reheat Santa Fe Casserole 

    You can either heat in the microwave or opt for the oven. If you heat in the oven, make sure to cover the baking dish so it doesn’t dry out the casserole as it cooks. I just keep it covered the entire time it cooks. Once warmed all the way through, serve and enjoy. 

    Can You Freeze this Tortellini Casserole 

    You can freeze this recipe. Simply assemble as you would, leaving off the tortilla chips and added cheese. Then toss in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge the night before you plan to eat. Then warm up in the oven as I recommend above or heat in the microwave. 

    You’ll also like Chicken a la King and Doritos Casserole

    Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole - Tortellini pasta with veggies and chicken enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy tortilla chips. An easy family dinner recipe ready in under 1 hour.
    5 from 2 votes

    Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole

    Created by Stacie Vaughan
    Servings 6
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes
    Total Time 55 minutes
    Tortellini pasta with veggies and chicken enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy tortilla chips. An easy family dinner recipe ready in under 1 hour.

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 cups tortellini uncooked
    • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 head broccoli cut into flowerets
    • 1 yellow onion chopped
    • 1 yellow pepper chopped
    • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
    • ¾ cup milk or cream
    • ¾ cup chicken broth
    • 1 tsp cumin
    • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked and chopped
    • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
    • ½ cup tortilla chips crushed

    Instructions

    • Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
    • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Sauté onions, broccoli and yellow pepper for about 5 minutes until onions are softened and broccoli is tender-crisp. Remove veggie mixture and set aside.
    • In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoon olive oil and flour and mix together over, low heat until smooth. Add in milk (or cream), chicken broth and cumin and stir. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
    • Add chicken, veggie mixture, ¾ cup cheese and pasta to the sauce mixture and mix together. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
    • Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes in a pre-heated 325°F oven. Spread tortilla chips and ¼ cup cheese on top of casserole and return to oven for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let cool 5 minutes and serve hot.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 343mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Course Casseroles
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole

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    57 Comments

    1. This looks great, I love the texture that the tortilla chips add to the topping 🙂

    2. Sherry Compton says:

      This sounds really good. I like warm, comfort food too. With the cold, yucky weather, I want warm, liking, comforting meals. Chili, stews, and casseroles top the list. I like that this has a kick without being spicy…great for the whole family. You can always use low fat cheese and cream to make it healthier

    3. This looks really YUMMY!

    4. Yum!! When it comes to recipes you never disappoint. Thank you for sharing this recipe.

    5. Brenda Lee says:

      Mmm! This looks so good.

    6. Karen Hill says:

      I would love to try this and tried printing your recipe by your print icon. Doesn’t work just get a blank page!

      1. I know I’m sorry 🙁 I’m working with the plugin developer now to get it fixed.

    7. This looks to me like it just won first prize according to my appetite and tastes.It’s going to become a favorite in our house.I want to thank you for sharing this awesome recipe.

    8. this looks like something i would eat

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