This delightful Italian Cheesy Tortellini Bake comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver for busy nights!
Ingredient Breakdown
12 ounces cheese tortellini
This pasta is the star of the dish! It’s cheesy, it’s hearty, and it cooks up quickly. You’ll find fresh or frozen tortellini at your grocery store, and both work beautifully in this recipe, so don’t worry if you only have one kind on hand. If you’re in the mood to explore, you could even swap in some spinach or mushroom tortellini!
2 cups marinara sauce
I love a good marinara sauce because it adds tons of flavor without much hassle. Choose your favorite jarred sauce or whip up a quick homemade version if you’ve got the time, it’s so worth it! You can even sneak in some veggies or a splash of red wine for depth. If you prefer a lighter taste, white sauce can work wonders here too!
1 cup ricotta cheese
This creamy goodness gives the bake that dreamy texture. I recommend whole milk ricotta for the best richness, but you can easily switch it for part-skim or even cottage cheese if you’re looking to lighten it up. Trust me, though, when I say the whole milk version just hits different, so indulgent!
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
An absolute must! Mozzarella gives that melty, gooey layer we all adore on top of the tortellini. I usually grab the pre-shredded kind for convenience, but freshly shredded mozzarella will give you even more cheesiness! You could also jazz it up with provolone or a sharp cheddar for a twist!
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
This adds a lovely salty bite! It’s also perfect for that golden top crust. You can use the pre-grated stuff too, but fresh really elevates this dish. And if you’re feeling cheese-happy, sprinkle a little more on top before it goes in the oven!
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
A mix of dried herbs that ties everything together! You can use store-bought or make your own blend. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some crushed red pepper for a bit of heat or fresh herbs like basil or parsley if you have them!
2 cloves garlic, minced
You can never go wrong with garlic! It fills your kitchen with this mouthwatering aroma as it cooks. I prefer using fresh garlic for the best flavor, but in a pinch, garlic powder can work too, just remember to adjust your amounts!
1 tablespoon olive oil
A little oil for sautéing that garlic until it’s fragrant. Olive oil is my favorite because it’s packed with healthy fats and flavor. You could swap in vegetable oil if that’s all you’ve got, but really, why would you? Olive oil enhances everything!
Salt and pepper to taste
A couple pinches of each to enhance all those flavors! Don’t skimp here; start with a little, taste, and adjust. You can also sprinkle some kosher salt over the top before baking for that extra crunch!
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Not a requirement, but man, does it add a pop of color and freshness! If you’ve got some left over, chop it up and toss it on right before serving for that lovely finishing touch. It’s like the cherry on top of this cheesy sundae!
How to Make This Italian Cheesy Tortellini Bake
Now, let’s get cooking! This dish is super straightforward, and the best part is, minimal cleanup is required because it’s all in one pot!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cheese gets all bubbly and golden by the time you finish prepping!
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell divine… seriously. Just wait!
In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir in a couple pinches of salt and pepper trust me, this step is crucial to bring out all those flavors.
Fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Just gently mix it all together, be careful not to squish the tortellini!
Pour the mixture into a baking dish (I like using a 9×13 size), then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Just look at that cheesy goodness!
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden, cue the cheers from the family! If you want to get fancy, you can crank up the heat for the last few minutes to get an extra golden crust, just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. This makes everything look even more appetizing! Plus, it gives a nice fresh kick to the cheesy dish.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Italian Cheesy Tortellini Bake is my go-to recipe when I’m in a pinch for a satisfying, comforting meal. It’s so flexibly forgiving, during those chaotic weeknights. I can just throw in whatever I have! Trust me, I’ve made this on days when the fridge was looking bare, and it always turns out amazing. Plus, it’s such a crowd-pleaser! Even my picky 8-year-old asks for seconds, and that’s pretty much a miracle in our household! Because let’s face it, who doesn’t love cheesy pasta baked to perfection?
Oh! And the best part is how wonderfully it reheats. You can make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch the next day or shh, eat it straight out of the fridge (been there!).
If you loved this Italian Cheesy Tortellini Bake, be sure to check out my Dorito Casserole, my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, or my Easy Mongolian Beef! Trust me, it’s like a whole new world of comfort food waiting to be explored!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Seriously, from prep to plate, you can have a delicious dinner ready in a flash. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to impress guests with minimal effort, trust me!
One Pot Wonder
Everything gets cooked in one big bowl and a baking dish; talk about minimal cleanup! You can whip this up and have dinner on the table without a mountain of dishes to tackle afterward. Hallelujah!
Crowd-Pleaser
With tons of flavor and that cheesy goodness, this dish is bound to be a hit with both kids and adults. It’s comfort food at its finest, the kind that brings everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied bellies!
Customizable
The beauty of this recipe is just how easy it is to switch things up. Don’t have ricotta? No problem, cottage cheese can totally step in! Want to add veggies? Throw in some sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers. The possibilities are endless!
Comfort Food
Loaded with creamy richness and gooey cheese, this bake is the ultimate comfort food. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those cold nights when you crave something delicious!
How to Serve This Italian Cheesy Tortellini Bake
After you pull this beauty out of the oven, serve it hot and bubbly, maybe with a side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A simple side salad with light vinaigrette balances the meal beautifully, keeping things fresh amid all that cheesy goodness. The juxtaposition of hot and cold is just divine!
Storage
This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, if it lasts that long! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container once it’s cool.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also throw it in the microwave, but just be careful; I’ve found it can make the pasta a touch rubbery if you’re not careful. So, if you want the magic of that cheesy crust, the oven is your best bet!
Freezer Friendly?
Absolutely! This tortellini bake can be frozen before baking. Just wrap it tightly in foil or an airtight container, and it’ll be ready for a busy day later on. Just defrost in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual! You’ll appreciate having a warm home-cooked meal in a pinch.
And there you go! Your very own Italian Cheesy Tortellini Bake is ready to become a staple in your dinner rotation. This dish is indeed a celebration of flavors and convenience, making your weeknight dinners just a little more special. Happy cooking!
Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration
Italian Cheesy Tortellini Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir in salt and pepper.
- Fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan gently.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.