Post by @katipederson

CREAMY HIDDEN-VEGGIE CHICKEN TORTELLINI BAKE with Cheesy Braided Bread This easy crockpot dinner turned out absolutely delicious! Blending the broccoli into the sauce is optional, but it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. Ingredients: * 1 (20-ounce) package herb chicken tortellini * 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets * 1 (14.5-ounce) can seasoned diced tomatoes, undrained * 1 (15-ounce) jar creamy Alfredo sauce * 1 (14-ounce) bag shredded Italian-style cheese, divided * Italian seasoning, to taste * Approximately ¼ cup warm water * 1 package refrigerated pizza dough Directions: 1. Thaw the frozen broccoli. Add it to a blender with the entire can of diced tomatoes and blend until smooth. This step is optional—if you prefer whole pieces of broccoli, you can skip the blending. 2. Spread about one-third of the tomato and broccoli mixture across the bottom of your crockpot. 3. Add half of the chicken tortellini, a generous handful of shredded cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Spoon about half of the Alfredo sauce over everything. 4. Add the remaining tortellini, followed by the rest of the tomato and broccoli mixture. Top with another handful of cheese and additional Italian seasoning. 5. Pour approximately ¼ cup of warm water into the Alfredo jar, replace the lid and shake well. Pour the remaining thinned Alfredo sauce over the top. 6. Add more shredded cheese, reserving approximately ½ cup for the bread. 7. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours, checking it periodically so the tortellini doesn’t overcook. You can also cook it on LOW until everything is hot and the tortellini is tender. For the cheesy braided bread: 1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. 2. Divide the pizza dough into three equal pieces and stretch each piece into a long strip. 3. Press the reserved cheese onto the dough strips and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. 4. Braid the three strips together, shape the braid into a circle and pinch the ends together. 5. Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes, checking it toward the end so it doesn’t overcook. Serve the warm cheesy bread alongside the creamy tortellini and enjoy!