Name: Baked Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re in the mood for the ultimate comfort food, this Baked Tortellini Recipe is here to save your day! With pillowy cheese-filled tortellini blanketed in a creamy marinara sauce, topped with layers of gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan, and finished with a golden, bubbly top, this dish transforms humble ingredients into an unforgettable family meal. Whether you’re hosting a weeknight dinner or looking for a stress-free vegetarian main, this recipe is proof that simple flavors, when baked together, can deliver pure magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Tortellini Recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. Each ingredient has a starring role, bringing out irresistible layers of flavor, gorgeous texture, and that classic Italian look everyone loves.

Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini (1 package, 20 oz): Fresh, plump, and filled with creamy cheese, these are the base of your hearty bake—look for high-quality or local brands for extra flavor.
Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Rich tomato flavor as the vibrant backbone; feel free to use either your favorite jarred brand or homemade for a personal touch.
Heavy Cream or Whole Milk (1/2 cup): Adds luscious creaminess, giving the sauce a decadent, smooth finish.
Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): An aromatic blend that brings warmth and authentic Italian flair to the dish.
Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Lends gentle, savory depth without overpowering the sauce.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the wonderful flavors.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and complexity to each bite.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): The key to that irresistible, gooey cheesy topping we all crave.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Brings a nutty, salty layer that perfectly complements the creamy mozzarella.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Drizzled on top for a beautiful, golden finish and extra richness.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (for garnish, optional): A handful of green at the end adds freshness and a pop of color—totally optional, but highly recommended.

How to Make Baked Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish & Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure everything bakes evenly from the get-go. Take a moment to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this small step stops sticking and makes serving a breeze later on.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Toss in your tortellini and cook for just 2 minutes less than the package suggests—this lets them finish cooking right in the sauce, soaking up tons of flavor and keeping their texture perfect. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Marinara Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, heavy cream or whole milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The cream blends with the marinara for a luxurious, pink-hued sauce that hugs every piece of pasta. Trust me, this step transforms a good dish into a truly great one!

Step 4: Toss and Assemble

Add your drained tortellini to the bowl with the sauce and gently toss to coat every nook and cranny. Pour the whole mixture into your greased baking dish, making sure to spread it evenly for maximum cheesiness in every serving.

Step 5: Top with Cheese & Olive Oil

Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top, layering them for ultimate meltiness. A drizzle of olive oil right before baking works magic, encouraging those gorgeous golden patches and adding another layer of richness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This lets everything get steamy and melty without drying out. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese bubbles up and turns temptingly golden-brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once it’s beautifully done, let your Baked Tortellini Recipe rest out of the oven for a few minutes. Finish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of brightness, and serve warm. Get ready for enthusiastic “ooohs” around the table!

How to Serve Baked Tortellini Recipe

Garnishes

Right before serving, scatter a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley over your Baked Tortellini Recipe. The green contrasts beautifully with all that bubbling cheese, while also adding fresh aroma and an inviting look. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurts either!

Side Dishes

Keep things cozy with classic sides like garlic bread, a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables for extra color and crunch. For heartier appetites, pair with a bowl of minestrone soup or even a platter of antipasto for an Italian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try portioning the Baked Tortellini Recipe into individual gratin dishes or ramekins for a dinner party—each guest gets their own bubbling little bake! Or, dress it up family-style and let everyone dig in from the middle of the table. Don’t forget a big spoon for those cheese pulls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and get even richer as it sits, making lunchtime leftovers an absolute treat.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Baked Tortellini Recipe! Let it cool completely, then divide it into freezer-safe containers. It’s best to freeze before baking, but baked portions freeze well too. Just remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 20–25 minutes for a whole dish, 5–10 for single servings). Add a splash of cream or marinara if needed for extra moisture. Quick microwave reheating works great for lunches on the go.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Just thaw them first or add a minute or two to the cooking time. Keep an eye so they stay firm and don’t get mushy in the oven.

What proteins can I add to make it heartier?

You can stir in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a meaty twist. Just cook the protein separately and mix it in before baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Many supermarkets offer gluten-free tortellini—just use those and make sure your marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.

What’s the best kind of marinara sauce for this recipe?

Both homemade and high-quality jarred marinara work beautifully. Look for sauces that aren’t too sweet and have robust, tomatoey depth; feel free to experiment with options that include garlic, herbs, or veggie blends.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning on top?

Baking covered for the first 20 minutes helps protect the cheese. Uncover only for the last stretch to get it bubbly and golden—watch closely so it reaches the perfect color without burning.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and fantastically cheesy, look no further than this Baked Tortellini Recipe. It’s a true kitchen hero, easy enough for beginners and rewarding enough for seasoned home cooks. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your most-requested comfort meal!

Baked Tortellini Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Tortellini Recipe is a comforting and cheesy pasta bake that’s perfect for a family meal. Tender cheese tortellini is baked in a flavorful marinara and cream sauce, topped with a generous amount of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Tortellini:

1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini

Sauce:

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

Cheese Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish:

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the tortellini: Boil the tortellini for 2 minutes less than package directions, then drain.
Prepare the sauce: Mix marinara sauce, cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the drained tortellini in the sauce.
Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, top with cheeses, drizzle with olive oil, cover, and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.