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.