If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe. It’s everything you want in comfort food but with a fresh, flavorful twist from the vibrant spinach and herbs. Tender cheese-filled tortellini soaked in rich marinara and topped with bubbly, golden mozzarella and Parmesan creates a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. Once you try this dish, it might just become your new go-to for effortless Italian-inspired dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one adds its own magic: the tortellini brings the cheesy goodness, fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, and the marinara sauce ties everything together with its robust, tangy flavor.
- Cheese tortellini (16 to 20 ounces): Choose fresh or frozen for the best texture and cheesy filling.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups, roughly chopped): Adds vibrant green color and a mild earthiness to balance the richness.
- Flat-leaf parsley (1/4 cup, roughly chopped): Brings a fresh, herbaceous note that livens up the dish.
- Fresh oregano (2 teaspoons, chopped) or dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Gives a warm, fragrant Italian flavor.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups): Either homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s flavorful and not too watery.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded, divided): For that irresistible gooey topping and creamy pockets inside.
- Freshly grated Parmesan (1/4 cup, divided): Adds a salty, nutty finish that pulls all the flavors together.
How to Make Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil an 8-inch square or a 1 ½ quart baking dish to keep your masterpiece from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and gently add the tortellini. Cook them just according to the package instructions until tender and springy, then drain really well. It’s key to remove extra water so your casserole doesn’t get soupy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, toss your cooked tortellini with the marinara sauce, fresh spinach, parsley, oregano, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mixing everything together at this stage ensures every bite will have layers of flavor and melty cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the tortellini mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top to create a luscious, bubbling crust once baked.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt fully, the sauce to bubble around the edges, and the dish to be piping hot all the way through. It’s the moment when all those flavors marry perfectly.
Step 6: Optional Browning
If you crave that irresistible golden, slightly crisp top, pop the casserole under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye so it browns beautifully without burning—this extra step turns the dish from cozy to showstopper.
Step 7: Serve
Take your baked beauty out of the oven and serve immediately. A sprinkle of extra parsley or Parmesan on top adds a fresh touch and a little flair to this homey crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or a few torn basil leaves make perfect colorful toppings that brighten every bite. Parmesan shavings or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate your presentation and flavor too.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables to balance its richness. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette is a classic choice that helps soak up every last bit of that delicious marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tortellini casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Alternatively, layer it in a shallow, rustic baking dish for a family-style centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in and share the love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making for even tastier bites when you reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. Just cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For a quick fix, the microwave works too—cover loosely to keep moisture in and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture so your dish doesn’t become watery. Frozen spinach is a great convenient option without sacrificing much flavor.
What other sauces work well in this recipe?
While marinara is classic, you can experiment with a creamy Alfredo sauce or a pesto for a different but equally delicious twist. Just keep in mind the balance of flavors and textures.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe is perfect for vegetarians as it relies on cheese and vegetables without any meat products. Just double-check that your pasta and cheese options fit your dietary preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some on top before baking for a gentle heat that complements the cheese and herbs beautifully.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to mix mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or even smoked gouda for a unique flavor profile. Parmesan lends nuttiness, but you can swap it with Pecorino Romano if you prefer a sharper taste.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe is one of those special dishes that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. It’s packed with flavor, layered with textures, and made with ingredients you can feel good about. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this casserole promises a cozy, cheesy Italian feast that’s destined to become a favorite repeat in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’re going to love every bite!
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Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Tortellini recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired casserole that combines tender cheese tortellini with fresh spinach, herbs, marinara sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a deliciously cheesy and flavorful meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Tortellini Bake
- 1 (16 to 20 ounce) package cheese tortellini (or any variety)
- 2 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (fresh, packaged, or smoked; divided)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil an 8-inch square or 1 ½ quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, chopped spinach, parsley, oregano, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese, ensuring the ingredients are well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the dish is heated through.
- Optional Browning: For a golden-brown top, briefly place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce based on your preference.
- If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried oregano can be used as a substitute.
- Make sure to drain the tortellini well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- For a vegetarian option, use cheese tortellini and ensure marinara sauce contains no meat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
