🥘 Baked Tortellini
Baked tortellini is a comforting, cheesy pasta casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners. You can use fresh, refrigerated, or frozen tortellini and customize it with your favorite sauce and cheeses.
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 1 lb (450 g) cheese tortellini (fresh, refrigerated, or frozen)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Optional: sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cooked sausage
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook tortellini (if needed):
- Fresh or refrigerated: cook 2–3 minutes until just tender.
- Frozen: cook according to package instructions, usually slightly underdone since it will bake.
- Mix filling (optional):
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, and 2 tbsp Parmesan with a pinch of Italian herbs.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer tortellini evenly.
- Dollop ricotta mixture over tortellini (or mix it in for a creamier texture).
- Pour remaining marinara sauce on top.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over everything.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
🍽️ Tips & Variations
- Protein boost: Add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or ground beef.
- Vegetarian: Include sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Creamy version: Mix ½ cup heavy cream or béchamel into the sauce for a richer casserole.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
If you want, I can also give a “quick 30-minute baked tortellini with spinach and sausage” recipe that’s ready even faster. Do you want me to do that?
