Tortellini Pasta Bake

This Tortellini Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with rich tomato flavor. Tender tortellini is smothered in marinara sauce, mixed with melty cheese, and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This easy, crowd-pleasing dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy goodness – Every bite is packed with gooey, melted cheese.
• Quick and easy – Uses store-bought tortellini and sauce for a hassle-free meal.
• Family-friendly – A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable – Add protein, veggies, or different cheeses for endless variations.
• Perfect for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cheese or meat-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Heavy cream (optional, for a creamy sauce)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh spinach (optional)
• Garlic (minced)
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the tortellini: Boil the tortellini according to package instructions, but undercook by 1-2 minutes since it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce, heavy cream (if using), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Assemble: Add cooked tortellini and fresh spinach (if using) to the sauce and stir until coated. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish.
5. Add cheese: Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra golden cheese, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Meaty Tortellini Bake – Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Vegetarian Option – Use spinach and ricotta tortellini and add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Spicy Kick – Use spicy Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes.
• Creamy Alfredo Bake – Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce for a rich, creamy version.
• Low-Carb Version – Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked pasta (before or after baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Cook the frozen tortellini according to package instructions before assembling the bake.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pasta bake ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

What type of tortellini works best?

Cheese-filled tortellini is classic, but meat-filled or spinach and ricotta tortellini also work great.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli make great additions. Sauté them first for the best texture.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Try using provolone, cheddar, or fontina for a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy?

Undercook the tortellini slightly since it will finish cooking in the oven.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free tortellini, a plant-based cream, and vegan cheese substitutes.

What’s the best sauce for this recipe?

Marinara works well, but you can mix it with a little cream or Alfredo sauce for a richer dish.

Can I bake this without pre-cooking the tortellini?

You can use uncooked fresh tortellini, but increase the sauce amount and bake covered for 40-45 minutes until the pasta is cooked through.

What sides go well with tortellini pasta bake?

Serve with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Tortellini Pasta Bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors that the whole family will love. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner, a potluck, or meal prep. Serve it hot with a side of garlic bread and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new favorite!

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