Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Alfredo Tortellini Bake is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. It combines tender cheese tortellini with a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden finish.

A white plate holds a serving of baked tortellini pasta covered with a creamy white cheese sauce. The pasta is folded into small rounds with visible folds and is topped with a bubbly, golden-brown melted cheese layer. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top and throughout the dish, adding specks of color to the creamy texture. In the background, a white baking dish with more of the same pasta is slightly out of focus on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Cook the tortellini in salted boiling water, following the package instructions but reduce the time by 1–2 minutes so they are just shy of al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Add the cooked tortellini to the Alfredo sauce and toss well to combine.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Step 9: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a delicious, cheesy comfort meal.

Tips & Variations

  • Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed spinach to the mix for extra protein and flavor.
  • Use fresh grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother sauce texture.
  • For a lighter option, substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce seems thick.

How to Serve

This image shows a white plate filled with a cheesy tortellini dish. The bottom layer consists of yellow tortellini pasta, coated with a creamy white sauce mixed with small bits of green herbs. On top, there is a layer of melted cheese that is golden-brown and bubbly in spots, also sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The background has a white marbled surface, and behind the plate, there is a white baking dish filled with more of the same baked pasta. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions and ensure they are drained well before mixing with the sauce.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the bake in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to cook, add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Print
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Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe


  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This creamy and cheesy Alfredo Tortellini Bake is an easy and comforting pasta casserole that combines tender cheese tortellini with a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or family gathering, this baked pasta dish is flavorful, satisfying, and simple to prepare.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Base

  • 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Alfredo Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Topping

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Cook Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini in salted water according to package instructions, but cook it 1 to 2 minutes less than al dente to avoid overcooking during baking. Drain the tortellini and toss with olive oil to keep the pasta from sticking together.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter then add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, careful not to brown it.
  4. Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the Alfredo sauce and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
  6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the sauced tortellini into the prepared baking dish and spread out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
  7. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta evenly to create a bubbly cheesy crust during baking.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

  • For added protein and flavor, consider mixing in cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or fresh spinach along with the tortellini before baking.
  • Do not overcook the tortellini in the boiling water since it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Alfredo Tortellini Bake, baked pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, cheese tortellini casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe

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