Warm & Gooey Cheesy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe For Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable cheesy tortellini pasta bake that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Rich, creamy cheese blends seamlessly with perfectly cooked tortellini, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for any meal.

The golden, bubbling surface hints at the deliciousness waiting beneath, tempting even the pickiest eaters.

Herbs and spices dance through each layer, adding depth and complexity to every forkful.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, this dish transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this pasta bake delivers pure satisfaction.

Prepare to fall in love with every cheesy, comforting bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 6

Tortellini Pasta Bake Ingredient Checklist

• Tortellini: Select fresh or frozen filled pasta with creamy cheese or meat center for rich flavor and authentic Italian texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Choose robust, ripe tomato-based sauce with balanced seasoning for vibrant meal foundation.

• Italian Seasoning: Dried herb mix adds traditional Mediterranean warmth and aromatic depth.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated flavor enhancer creating savory undertones without raw garlic intensity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and zesty kick to elevate overall dish complexity.
• Salt: Essential mineral for amplifying and balancing recipe's total flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle spiciness and complementary earthy notes.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy melting varieties create golden, irresistible topping with tangy, nutty undertones.
• Fresh Basil, Parsley: Bright green herbs offer fresh aroma and visual appeal with delicate herbal essence.
• Olive Oil: Ensures smooth baking dish preparation and adds subtle richness.
• Heavy Cream (Optional): Creates silkier sauce texture and enhances overall lusciousness.

Kitchen Tools for Baking Tortellini Pasta Bake

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sauce and seasonings.
• Colander: Essential for draining cooked tortellini.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Greased and ready for the pasta bake.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients smoothly.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate seasoning amounts.
• Oven: Needed to bake and broil the dish.

Easy Steps to Make Tortellini Pasta Bake

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and slather a baking dish with olive oil for a non-stick surface.

• Cook the Pasta

Boil tortellini just until tender, then drain and set aside, keeping them ready for their cheesy adventure.

• Create the Flavor Base

In a big mixing bowl, swirl together marinara sauce with cream, Italian herbs, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to create a mouthwatering sauce.

• Combine and Coat

Toss the cooked tortellini into the sauce, making sure every little pasta pillow gets perfectly covered.

• Prepare for Baking

Transfer the saucy tortellini into the greased baking dish, spreading evenly for maximum deliciousness.

• Cheese It Up

Shower the top with a generous blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a golden, melty masterpiece.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, irresistible layer.

• Golden Finish

For an extra crispy top, flip on the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

• Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle fresh basil and parsley on top, and serve alongside garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy.

Flavor Variations for Tortellini Pasta Bake

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Add extra cheese varieties like provolone or fontina for a more complex flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add texture.
• Protein Power: Incorporate cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal that satisfies meat lovers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional tortellini with gluten-free tortellini or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that's equally delicious.
• Spice It Up: Adjust red pepper flakes and add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne for those who enjoy a spicier kick to their pasta bake.

Best Ways to Serve Tortellini Pasta Bake

• Italian Feast Companion: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Pair with warm, crusty garlic bread or homemade focaccia to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and complement the tortellini's flavor.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the tomato and cheese notes, creating a restaurant-quality dining experience.
• Quick Protein Boost: Top with grilled chicken strips or crispy pancetta for extra protein and a more substantial meal that satisfies hearty appetites.

Keep Tortellini Pasta Bake Fresh and Ready

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover tortellini pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore oven-crisp texture by baking at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out when reheating.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Prepare an extra batch and freeze unbaked for convenient future meals. Wrap securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen portions remain delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop fresh herbs like basil and parsley in advance, storing them in sealed containers or small zip-lock bags. Keep in refrigerator's crisper drawer to maintain maximum flavor and texture for quick garnishing when ready to serve.

Cheesy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty tortellini pasta bake celebrates classic Italian comfort cuisine with rich cheese and savory herbs. Creamy layers of pasta and robust sauce promise a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 oz (570 g) tortellini (cheese or meat-filled, fresh or refrigerated)
• 2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or whole milk (optional, for creamier sauce)
• 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing dish)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly oil a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Pasta Cooking: Cook tortellini in boiling water until al dente, then drain thoroughly, preserving the pasta’s delicate texture.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk together marinara, cream, Italian herbs, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to craft a robust, aromatic sauce.
4. Pasta Coating: Delicately toss the cooked tortellini in the seasoned sauce, ensuring each piece is completely enveloped in flavor.
5. Layering and Cheese Topping: Spread the sauced tortellini evenly in the prepared baking dish, then lavishly cover with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Baking Process: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts completely, creating a golden, bubbling surface.
7. Final Broiling: Activate the broiler for a brief moment to achieve a perfectly caramelized, crispy cheese crust.
8. Garnishing and Serving: Sprinkle fresh basil, parsley, and additional Parmesan over the baked dish. Serve piping hot with crusty garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Cook tortellini just until al dente to maintain texture and prevent mushiness, ensuring each pasta pocket remains tender yet firm.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Mix marinara and cream carefully to create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats tortellini evenly without becoming too runny or thick.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle cheese in layers for optimal melting, allowing mozzarella and Parmesan to create a golden, crispy top with maximum flavor coverage.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap dairy cheese for plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free tortellini, or incorporate vegetarian protein sources like roasted vegetables for diverse dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg