Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Bake
This cheesy buffalo chicken tortellini bake combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with gooey cheese and tender tortellini for a hearty comfort meal. Loaded with plum tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, and lightly spiced with red pepper flakes and herbs, this baked pasta dish is perfect for family dinners or game day indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
- 1 large chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 1 can plum tomatoes large can, torn by hand
- 1/2 stick butter divided
- 2/3 cup buffalo sauce
- 2-3 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- to taste garlic powder
- to taste garlic salt
- to taste dried oregano
- to taste dried basil
- to taste crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Prepare Buffalo Chicken
- Season chicken with garlic powder and garlic salt on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 7-10 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred with forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the pan, reduce heat to low, add buffalo sauce, and mix until fully coated.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Boil salted water and cook tortellini according to package instructions, about 10 minutes.
- Drain tortellini and add it to the pan with buffalo chicken. Stir to combine.
- Tear plum tomatoes by hand into bite-sized pieces and fold them into the mixture along with some juice.
- Add parmesan cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, mixing gently.
Add Toppings
- Sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and garlic salt over the dish.
- Layer sliced pepperoni over the top.
- Add shredded mozzarella generously and top with additional pepperoni.
- Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes.
Bake and Rest
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Let bake rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini for best results.
- Allow bake to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set.