Cheesy Baked Tortellini Recipe
Cheesy baked tortellini is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a generous amount of cheese for a bubbly, golden top. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or potluck gatherings. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can have this delightful dish ready in no time!
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
2. Cook the Tortellini:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes for refrigerated tortellini or 8-10 minutes for frozen. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In another mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce mixture and gently toss until the pasta is well coated. Transfer half of the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish, then spread half of the cheese mixture on top. Pour the remaining tortellini mixture over the cheese layer and finish by dolloping the remaining cheese mixture on top.
6. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish.
7. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy your cheesy baked tortellini warm!
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Baked Tortellini
- Choose Your Sauce: You can use any marinara sauce you like. For added flavor, consider a homemade sauce or a flavored store-bought variety.
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the mixture.
- Meat Lovers Option: If you prefer a meatier dish, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the tortellini mixture before baking.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Instructions: This dish can be frozen before baking. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use gluten-free tortellini?
Yes! Many brands offer gluten-free tortellini made from rice, quinoa, or other gluten-free grains. You can follow the same instructions with these alternatives.
2. Can I substitute the cheeses?
Certainly! Feel free to use any cheese you enjoy or have on hand. Some good alternatives for ricotta are cottage cheese or cream cheese. For mozzarella, you can use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.
3. How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftover cheesy baked tortellini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain meat, and you can add more veggies for a heartier dish.
5. Is it possible to make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can layer the tortellini, sauce, and cheese mixture in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours. Just ensure to check that the cheese melts and the dish is heated through.
Conclusion
Cheesy baked tortellini is a simple yet satisfying dish that the whole family will love. With its gooey cheese and flavorful sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it on a busy weeknight or as a comforting meal for guests, this cheesy baked tortellini is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Cheesy Baked Tortellini Recipe
Cheesy baked tortellini is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a generous amount of cheese for a bubbly, golden top. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or potluck gatherings. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can have this delightful dish ready in no time!
Ingredients
- 20 oz refrigerated tortellini (cheese or your choice)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Tortellini:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Mix the Cheeses:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked tortellini to the cheese mixture and gently fold to coat the tortellini evenly.
5. Layer the Dish:
Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Pour the tortellini and cheese mixture over the sauce, spreading it evenly.
Top with the remaining marinara sauce, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve:
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Tortellini: You can use any type of tortellini (cheese, spinach, or meat) based on your preference.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to add cooked ground meat, vegetables, or extra spices to the marinara sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.