Description
This Cheesy Tortellini Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender tortellini pasta smothered in marinara sauce and topped with bubbling, golden mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal, this dish combines simple ingredients with hearty flavors and a melty cheese topping baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 package tortellini (1 1/2 lbs), fresh or frozen, any flavor
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Boil Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the tortellini to the boiling water and cook until they float to the top, about 6-8 minutes if fresh or slightly longer if frozen. This ensures the pasta is cooked through but still tender.
- Drain Tortellini: Drain the cooked tortellini using a strainer and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to remove any excess water completely.
- Combine with Sauce: Transfer the drained tortellini into an 8×8 or 11×7 baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta and mix gently to coat all the tortellini evenly.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the freshly grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced tortellini. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Browning: Switch your oven to broil and broil the bake for 5-6 minutes or until the cheese topping turns golden brown and slightly crisp. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, ideally paired with a fresh side salad to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of tortellini – cheese, spinach, or meat-filled varieties work great.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- If you prefer a creamier bake, add a dollop of ricotta cheese mixed in with the marinara sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To save time, use frozen tortellini and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
