The Ultimate Baked Tortellini

$- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Use any pasta you like, such as shells or penne. - For a dairy-free option, try cashew or almond cheese. - Make your marinara with fresh tomatoes, onions, and herbs. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil water in a large pot. Add the cheese tortellini to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Drain the tortellini and set it aside in a bowl. Do not rinse it, as you want to keep the starch for better sauce adherence. In a medium pan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add two cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about one minute until it smells great. Next, pour in two cups of marinara sauce. Add one teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for five minutes. This brings out the flavors in your sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini and one cup of ricotta cheese. Mix well until the tortellini is well coated. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce on the bottom. Pour the tortellini mixture on top and spread it evenly. Now, sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake it in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Let it sit for five minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. To get the best bake, focus on even cooking. Start by boiling the tortellini until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. When you bake, cover your dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes. This keeps the moisture in and helps the cheeses melt evenly. After that, remove the foil. This will let the top get nice and golden. Want to add more flavor? Try adding some veggies. Spinach or bell peppers work great. You can also mix in cooked sausage or chicken for protein. To spice up the marinara sauce, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar. This gives a nice twist to the taste. For a perfect meal, pair your baked tortellini with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works well. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping. When it comes to presentation, serve it straight from the baking dish. This looks inviting. Offer fresh basil and extra Parmesan on the side, so guests can customize their plates. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can elevate the flavors of the dish. Add them just before serving for a burst of freshness. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or gouda for a unique flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can also enhance the creaminess. Make Ahead: You can prepare the tortellini and sauce mixture ahead of time. Just assemble and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Perfectly Baked Cheese: For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes after baking. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning! {{image_2}} You can mix up the cheeses in your baked tortellini. Using different types of cheese adds fun and flavor. Try adding gouda or fontina for a creamy twist. A blend of mozzarella and provolone gives a nice stretch and taste. You can also use flavored tortellini, like spinach or roasted garlic. These options bring new flavors to your dish. Adding meat can make your dish heartier. Cooked sausage adds great spice and flavor. You can also use grilled chicken for a lighter choice. If you want a meatless option, consider chickpeas or lentils. These vegetarian proteins pack a punch and keep the dish filling. Switching up the sauce can change everything. Try using pesto instead of marinara for a fresh taste. Alfredo sauce gives a rich and creamy texture. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Mixing in red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, while fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the dish. After you enjoy your baked tortellini, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Your tortellini will stay good for about 3-4 days. When you want to reheat, use the oven for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave, but check every minute to avoid overcooking. You can freeze baked tortellini for later. Let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When you’re ready, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil to keep it from drying out. Bake for about 30-40 minutes until hot. Understanding how long your baked tortellini lasts is key. When stored properly, it can stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge. If it sits longer, check for signs of spoilage. Look for changes in smell or color. If there’s mold or a sour scent, throw it away. Trust your senses. They help you know when your leftovers are no longer safe to eat. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Frozen tortellini cooks well in this recipe. Here are some tips: - Cooking Time: Frozen tortellini may need a bit more time to cook. Check the package for exact times. - No Thawing: You do not need to thaw frozen tortellini. Just add it directly to boiling water. - Texture: The texture remains great when baked. Using frozen tortellini can save time and still give you that tasty dish. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Here’s how: - Cook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini and cool it. - Make the Sauce: Prepare the sauce and let it cool. - Assemble: Mix the tortellini, ricotta, and sauce. Place it in the baking dish. - Cover: Wrap the dish tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just take it out and pop it in the oven. You may need to bake it a bit longer if it's cold. To make this dish gluten-free, follow these steps: - Use Gluten-Free Pasta: Look for gluten-free tortellini at your store. Many brands offer tasty options. - Check Sauces: Ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free. Some brands add gluten in thickening agents. - Adjustments: You may need to adjust cooking times for gluten-free pasta. Follow the package instructions closely. With these changes, you can enjoy the same great flavors without gluten. This blog detailed how to make a delicious baked tortellini dish. We covered key ingredients like tortellini, marinara, and ricotta cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions for prepping, cooking, and baking. Tips and variations gave you options to enhance flavors and customize your meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out and have fun with your ingredients. Enjoy the joy of cooking and creating something special!$

A delicious and cheesy baked tortellini dish with marinara sauce and three types of cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pot, boil water and cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked tortellini, ricotta cheese, and half of the marinara sauce. Mix until the tortellini is well coated.
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce on the bottom. Pour the tortellini mixture on top and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the tortellini.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish, and offer extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil on the side for guests to customize their plates.

Keyword baked tortellini, cheese, Italian, pasta