Description
This Baked Tortellini Recipe is a comforting and cheesy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender refrigerated cheese tortellini baked in a creamy marinara sauce with Italian seasoning and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for an easy family meal and can be customized with meats or veggies for extra heartiness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate to keep them slightly firm. Drain the tortellini thoroughly.
- Mix Sauce and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream (or whole milk), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Toss Tortellini with Sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the sauce mixture and toss gently to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy marinara.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the coated tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Add Olive Oil and Cover: Drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil across the top. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in while baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake covered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables to the sauce for a heartier meal.
- You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce based on your preference.
- Heavy cream can be swapped with whole milk for a lighter version but the sauce will be less rich.
- Covering with foil during the first baking phase keeps the tortellini moist and prevents cheese from drying out.
