This Cheesy Baked Tortellini is like a cozy hug on a plate! With soft tortellini, melted cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s comfort food at its best.
What’s not to love? It’s easy to whip up and great for busy nights. I usually make a big dish and enjoy the leftovers for lunch—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Tortellini: Use refrigerated cheese tortellini for an easy and quick meal. If you can’t find cheese-filled ones, try meat tortellini, or even a spinach variety for a twist.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara saves time, but if you want homemade, simmer canned tomatoes with garlic and herbs for a more personal touch. A pesto sauce can work too for an herby flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives a wonderful texture, but shredded mozzarella is convenient. If you’re avoiding dairy, try vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely sharpness. You can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Italian Seasoning: This is optional but really enhances the flavor. If you don’t have it, mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme for a homemade version.
How Do I Bake the Tortellini to Get Perfectly Melty Cheese?
Achieving that gold-brown, bubbly cheese on top is key! Follow these tips for baking success:
- Ensure your oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C) to create a nice, even bake.
- Spread the cheese evenly across the top—this helps it melt uniformly.
- Bake uncovered so the cheese can brown nicely. If it’s browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes after baking. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.
With these tips, your cheesy baked tortellini will be comforting, cheesy, and delicious every time!
Cheesy Baked Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 9-12 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheesy baked tortellini recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 20-25 minutes of baking time. Total, you’re looking at just about 35-40 minutes to get this delicious dish on the table—perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and gets that lovely cheesy topping nice and bubbly.
2. Cook the Tortellini:
Next, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the tortellini well and set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the marinara sauce. Stir gently until all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce, making sure each piece of tortellini is smothered in that yummy goodness.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a baking dish or individual ramekins with some cooking spray or a bit of olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleaning up easier later on!
5. Combine in the Dish:
Transfer the sauced tortellini into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly across the dish to ensure that it bakes uniformly.
6. Add the Cheesy Toppings:
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese atop the tortellini, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. If you like, you can also sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
7. Bake:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top—that’s when you know it’s ready to come out!
8. Let It Rest:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will help it set a bit and makes serving easier.
9. Garnish and Serve:
For a lovely touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your cheesy baked tortellini warm, and consider pairing it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal!
Dig in and enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works great as well. Just cook them according to the package instructions before mixing them with the sauce. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they typically take a few minutes longer to cook.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! This dish is vegetarian-friendly as it is. Just ensure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain any meat products. It’s perfect for those looking for a meatless option!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cheesy baked tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of marinara sauce can help keep it moist!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be delicious additions. Sauté them first to reduce moisture before mixing with the tortellini and sauce.