Description
Comforting Italian classic tortellini pasta bake brings hearty flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Creamy cheese, savory herbs, and golden-brown crust promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 20 ounces (570 grams) cheese or meat-filled tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Cheese:
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 cups (500 milliliters) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream or whole milk (optional, for a creamier sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the dish)
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 375F (190C), preparing a baking dish with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare tortellini in boiling water, cooking until just tender and maintaining a slight firmness, then carefully drain excess water.
- Create a vibrant sauce base by combining marinara with rich cream, aromatic Italian herbs, pungent garlic powder, subtle red pepper flakes, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper.
- Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the seasoned sauce, ensuring each pasta pillow is thoroughly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Transfer the sauced tortellini into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Generously sprinkle a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface, creating a promising golden-brown topping.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking until the cheese transforms into a melted, bubbling blanket over the pasta.
- For an extra crispy and caramelized finish, activate the broiler and allow the top to develop a rich, golden-brown color.
- Add a final flourish of fresh basil, parsley, and an additional dusting of Parmesan to elevate the visual and flavor profile.
- Serve immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp salad to complete this comforting meal.
Notes
- Choose fresh or frozen tortellini based on preference, ensuring they’re not overcooked to maintain perfect texture.
- Swap marinara for creamy alfredo or pesto sauce to create delightful flavor variations.
- Customize with protein additions like shredded chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage for extra heartiness.
- Make it vegetarian by using plant-based cheese and adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for nutrition and flavor depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg