Cheesy Baked Tortellini: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cheesy Baked Tortellini: the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to make! Imagine tender, cheese-filled tortellini enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, blanketed with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about it!

Tortellini, originating from the Emilia region of Italy, are traditionally served in broth, but this baked version takes those delightful little pasta rings to a whole new level. While the exact origins of baking tortellini are a bit murky, it’s a modern twist that has quickly become a family favorite across the globe. It’s a brilliant way to transform a simple pasta dish into a hearty and satisfying meal.

What’s not to love? The combination of the soft, yielding tortellini, the tangy tomato sauce, and the gooey, melted cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, this Cheesy Baked Tortellini recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. The ease of preparation and the guaranteed crowd-pleasing results are why this dish has become a staple in so many kitchens, including mine. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (20 ounce) package of refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. I like to use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to ensure all the grease is gone.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I find that a longer simmer really enhances the depth of flavor.
4. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper, or even a little sugar if the sauce is too acidic for your liking.

Cooking the Tortellini:

1. Cook the Tortellini: While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Usually, this involves boiling a large pot of salted water and adding the tortellini. They are typically done when they float to the surface, which only takes a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy.
2. Drain the Tortellini: Once the tortellini are cooked, drain them well in a colander. I like to give them a gentle shake to remove any excess water.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked tortellini with the meat sauce. Make sure the tortellini are evenly coated with the sauce. I like to use a rubber spatula to gently fold the tortellini into the sauce to avoid breaking them.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the tortellini mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or grease the dish with butter or olive oil.
4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
6. Rest and Garnish: Let the baked tortellini rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage and add vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the tortellini and sauce in the baking dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Add Vegetables: Sneak in some extra veggies! Spinach, chopped carrots, or even some finely diced celery can be added to the sauce while it simmers.
• Use Different Tortellini: While cheese tortellini is classic, you can use other fillings like meat or spinach and ricotta.
• Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping, mix some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad. A Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would be a great complement. You can also serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini recipe isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate, guaranteed to become a family favorite. The combination of tender, cheese-filled tortellini, a rich and creamy sauce, and that golden, bubbly topping is simply irresistible. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious weeknight meal.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the simplicity! You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip this up. The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are straightforward. But don’t let the ease fool you – the flavor is complex and satisfying. The blend of cheeses creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Plus, it’s incredibly versatile.

Looking for serving suggestions? A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the tortellini. Steamed broccoli or asparagus also adds a touch of freshness and color to the plate. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

And speaking of versatility, feel free to experiment with variations! Want to add some protein? Cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or even shredded chicken would be fantastic additions. For a vegetarian twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. You can also swap out the cheeses to your liking. Gruyere, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would all work beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this Cheesy Baked Tortellini your own! That’s the beauty of cooking, isn’t it? It’s all about experimenting and finding what you love. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and I’m always tweaking it based on what I have on hand and what I’m in the mood for.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to try it as soon as possible. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a truly delightful meal. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen! Cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag] or leave a comment on the blog post. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes in the future. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, so don’t hesitate to share your culinary creations with me.

So go ahead, give this Cheesy Baked Tortellini a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Happy cooking!