Creamy Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts – A Cozy Delight

Gorgonzola tortellini casserole is a luxurious Italian-inspired comfort dish that elevates pasta to a gourmet experience.

This dish combines creamy blue cheese with tender pasta for a perfect mix of rich flavors and textures.

Many people who love cooking find it both fancy and easy to prepare at the same time.

Adding nutty walnuts and strong gorgonzola creates layers of taste that are sure to impress anyone.

Cheese fans will enjoy this casserole as it offers an indulgent, satisfying meal option.

Warm, cheesy, and skillfully made, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into something truly special for any dinner table.

Why Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts Feels Gourmet

• Whip Up Comfort: This gorgonzola tortellini casserole delivers pure culinary magic in minutes.
• Quick and Easy Meal: Requiring just 30 minutes of baking time, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience without complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Combining creamy cheeses, tender tortellini, and crunchy walnuts creates a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, comforting texture.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you crave a luxurious yet straightforward meal that impresses without demanding extensive cooking skills.

What Goes In Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts

Main Ingredients:

• Tortellini: Soft, filled pasta that adds a delightful texture and provides the base of the casserole, choose fresh or dried cheese-filled variety for best flavor.

• Gorgonzola, Mozzarella: Rich, creamy cheeses that melt beautifully and create a luxurious, tangy flavor profile, select high-quality, fresh cheese for optimal taste.

• Spinach: Adds nutritious green color and earthy flavor, fresh baby spinach works best for tender texture.

• Walnuts: Crunchy element that provides textural contrast and nutty depth, use fresh, whole walnuts for maximum crunch.

• Heavy Cream: Provides rich, smooth base that binds ingredients and creates creamy consistency, use full-fat cream for best results.

• Butter: Used for greasing the dish, ensures easy removal and adds subtle richness, unsalted butter recommended.

How To Bake Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Turn oven to 400°F and position rack in middle position.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Generously coat casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Partially Cook Tortellini

Boil tortellini for half the recommended package time, then drain completely.

Step 4: Build First Layer

• Tortellini
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Chopped walnuts
• Crumbled gorgonzola
• Shredded mozzarella

Step 5: Create Second Layer

Repeat identical layering process with remaining ingredients.

Step 6: Add Creamy Finish

Slowly pour heavy cream across entire dish, ensuring complete coverage of ingredients.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

• Cheese melts completely
• Top turns golden brown
• Edges become bubbly

Step 8: Serve Deliciously

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with optional crisp green salad.

Tips For Better Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts

• Choose Fresh Tortellini: Select high-quality, fresh tortellini for the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Control Cooking Time: Partially boil tortellini for half the package time to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture during baking.
• Layer Strategically: Distribute ingredients evenly in layers to ensure each bite has a balanced mix of tortellini, spinach, walnuts, and cheeses.
• Cream Coverage Matters: Pour cream carefully to coat all tortellini, creating a rich, creamy base that prevents drying out during baking.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular cream with plant-based alternatives or use gluten-free tortellini to accommodate different dietary requirements.

Storing Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using oven method.

Pairings That Match Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy gorgonzola and balance the casserole's intense flavors.
• Complement with Arugula Salad: Toss fresh arugula with lemon vinaigrette, creating a peppery and tangy side that provides a zesty contrast to the warm, cheesy tortellini.
• Match with Toasted Crusty Bread: Slice a rustic sourdough or ciabatta, lightly brush with olive oil, and toast until golden, offering a crunchy texture that complements the soft tortellini layers.
• Serve with Light Red Wine: Choose a light-bodied pinot noir or beaujolais with subtle tannins that won't overpower the delicate cheese and spinach combination.

Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts Variations

• Gluten-Free Gorgonzola Delight: Replace traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for added texture.
• Vegan Cheese Casserole: Swap gorgonzola and cream cheese with cashew-based vegan cheese alternatives and use plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute tortellini with roasted cauliflower florets and use a lighter cream sauce to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Option: Add shredded rotisserie chicken between layers for extra protein and a heartier meal.

Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts FAQs

• What type of tortellini works best for this recipe?

Fresh or dried tortellini can be used, but cheese or spinach-filled tortellini complement the dish’s flavors most effectively.

• Can I substitute gorgonzola with another cheese?

Yes, blue cheese or goat cheese are good alternatives if you want a similar tangy flavor profile.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

The current recipe is vegetarian, but check the tortellini packaging to confirm no meat-based ingredients are used.

• How do I prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy?

Par-boiling the tortellini for only half the recommended package time helps maintain texture during baking, preventing overcooking.

Creamy Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with its rich, nutty blend of pasta and cheese. Walnuts add crunch while melted Gorgonzola creates a luxurious sauce that promises pure culinary satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh/refrigerated tortellini (cooked half the time stated on the package)
• 1 cup gorgonzola cheese, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• Butter (for greasing the dish)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 large handful spinach
• ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 400°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the creamy casserole.
2. Generously coat the baking vessel with a thin layer of butter, ensuring no surface is left unprotected.
3. Cook the tortellini briefly, submerging them in rapidly boiling water for approximately half their recommended cooking time, then carefully drain.
4. Construct the first foundation layer by spreading a generous portion of tortellini across the buttered dish’s bottom.
5. Scatter fresh spinach leaves over the pasta, creating a vibrant green landscape.
6. Distribute a handful of crunchy walnuts, providing textural contrast to the soft pasta.
7. Sprinkle both gorgonzola and mozzarella cheeses, allowing their rich flavors to meld and intermingle.
8. Repeat the layering process, building a second identical stratum of tortellini, spinach, walnuts, and cheeses.
9. Delicately pour heavy cream across the entire dish, ensuring each pasta pocket receives a luxurious coating.
10. Position the casserole in the oven’s center, allowing even heat distribution for approximately 30 minutes.
11. Remove when the top transforms into a golden, bubbly landscape of melted cheese.
12. Let the dish rest momentarily before serving, accompanied by a crisp side salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Partially cook tortellini to prevent overcooking during baking, maintaining perfect al dente texture.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a delightful crunch in the casserole.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutritional profile and slightly earthier taste.
• Use gluten-free tortellini and replace cream with plant-based alternatives to make the dish cel

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg