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
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420–480 kcal |
| Protein | 28–32g |
| Carbohydrates | 28–35g |
| Fiber | 3–5g |
| Fat | 22–26g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 650–800mg |
| Calcium | ~25% DV |
| Iron | ~15% DV |
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.