This creamy cheesy tortellini casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and loads of gooey cheese in one dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it’s a meal that both kids and adults will devour. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this casserole is your go-to dish for satisfying pasta cravings.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Number of servings: 6
- Serving size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
Ingredients:
- 500g (18 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp (15g) olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g (14 oz) marinara sauce
- 240g (1 cup) heavy cream
- 120g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 60g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp (5g) Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp (1g) red pepper flakes (optional)
- 100g (3.5 oz) baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour the marinara sauce and heavy cream into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked tortellini and chopped spinach into the skillet, stirring gently to coat the tortellini in the sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use fresh tortellini for best results: Fresh tortellini will cook faster and have a better texture, but frozen tortellini works in a pinch.
- Add veggies: Sneak in extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
- Go meatier: For a heartier meal, add cooked sausage, ground beef, or chicken to the casserole.
- Make ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. You can bake it straight from the fridge, just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, frozen tortellini works great! Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the casserole.
- Can I add protein to this dish? Absolutely! This casserole pairs well with cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef for a more filling meal.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake it when you're ready to serve.
- Can I freeze the casserole? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- What other cheeses can I use? While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can use cheddar, gouda, or fontina for a different flavor profile.
There’s nothing more satisfying than digging into a warm, cheesy tortellini casserole, filled with layers of comforting flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or friends, this creamy dish is sure to become a favorite at the dinner table. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread, and savor the deliciousness of each bite!