Description
This Alfredo Tortellini Bake is a comforting and creamy Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender cheese tortellini coated in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish delivers cheesy indulgence with a hint of garlic and Italian seasoning, baked to bubbly perfection.
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini in salted water according to package instructions, but cook for 1–2 minutes less than al dente to ensure they finish cooking in the bake. Drain well and toss with olive oil to keep pasta from sticking.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to release maximum flavor.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, continuing to cook and stir until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet and toss gently until the pasta is fully coated and combined with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the tortellini and Alfredo mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and additional grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a comforting cheesy meal.
Notes
- For additional protein and flavor, add cooked chicken, bacon, or spinach before baking.
- Ensure not to overcook the tortellini initially, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less creamy.
- Freshly minced garlic provides better flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal taste and sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Alfredo Tortellini Bake, Cheese Tortellini Casserole, Creamy Alfredo Pasta Bake, Italian Pasta Bake, Comfort Food, Baked Tortellini
