Mediterranean Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix

Mediterranean Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix

This satisfying casserole layers juicy chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, tender zucchini, and a medley of Mediterranean herbs — all smothered in a cheesy, creamy sauce and crowned with a golden stuffing crust. It’s the perfect fusion of cozy casserole comfort and Mediterranean brightness, making it an ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Time Required:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cooked and diced

1 (9 oz / 250g) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

2 medium zucchinis, chopped or sliced into half-moons

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

1/2 cup cottage cheese or ricotta

1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

1/3 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

1 1/2 cups stuffing mix (store-bought dry herb-seasoned)

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar size casserole dish.

Cook Tortellini:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook tortellini for 2–3 minutes less than package instructions (they will finish baking in the oven).

Drain and set aside.

Sauté Zucchini:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add zucchini and a pinch of salt. Sauté until slightly golden but not mushy (about 4–5 minutes). Remove from heat.

Mix Casserole Filling:

In a large bowl, combine:

Cooked chicken

Tortellini

Sautéed zucchini

Sun-dried tomatoes (if using)

Mozzarella, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper

Stir until evenly combined.

Assemble the Casserole:

Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle crumbled feta on top (if using).

Add Stuffing Topping:

In a small bowl, mix stuffing mix with melted butter and Parmesan.

Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Bake:

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

If needed, broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.

Rest & Serve:

Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

Cheese Swaps & Additions:

Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or cream cheese for a richer flavor.

For an extra cheesy top, add more mozzarella or provolone before baking.

Add shaved pecorino or crumbled goat cheese for stronger Mediterranean flair.

Veggie Upgrades:

Add chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for more color and nutrients.

Toss in mushrooms, sautéed lightly before mixing, for umami depth.

Chicken Options:

Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.

Replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian twist.

Stuffing Tips:

Use whole-grain stuffing mix or gluten-free stuffing for dietary preferences.

If you don’t have stuffing mix, use crushed garlic croutons, toasted pita, or seasoned breadcrumbs as a topping.

Make-Ahead:

Assemble the casserole (without the topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Add stuffing topping just before baking to keep it crisp.

Q&A

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

A: Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven until warmed through.

Q: What kind of tortellini works best?

A: Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini works perfectly. You can also use spinach & cheese or mushroom-filled tortellini for variety.

Q: How do I make this casserole lower in calories?

A: Use:

Low-fat Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cheese

Swap stuffing mix with a sprinkle of seasoned oats or a light breadcrumb mix

Q: Can I make this dish without baking?

A: Baking is essential to meld the flavors and crisp the topping. However, if needed, you can prepare everything in a skillet and top with pre-toasted stuffing for a stovetop version.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition will vary based on cheese, tortellini type, and whether full-fat or low-fat dairy is used.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix is a luscious, cozy dish full of protein, fiber, and bold Mediterranean flavors. The tender pasta, juicy chicken, creamy cheese blend, and herbaceous stuffing crust make it an unforgettable all-in-one meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, this dish is adaptable, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.