This Cheesy Tortellini Casserole combines tender, pillowy tortellini with a rich, creamy sauce and a perfect blend of melted cheeses. It’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavors your whole family will love. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as a hearty side, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe for cozy nights in. The layers of cheesy goodness, combined with the savory notes of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, will make this dish a crowd-pleaser at your next meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) package of frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (8 oz) can of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coat of cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the frozen tortellini according to the package instructions, typically for about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate the Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, and ricotta. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine with Tortellini: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and stir gently to coat the pasta in the creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the tortellini and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the shredded Italian blend cheese, if using.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy this cheesy, comforting meal with your loved ones!
Tips:
- For extra flavor: Try adding cooked sausage, ground beef, or rotisserie chicken to the casserole.
- Vegetarian version: You can replace the meat with extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.