If you love the comforting embrace of cheesy pasta with a wholesome twist, then you’re going to adore this Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe. It’s a beautiful marriage of tender cheese-filled tortellini, vibrant fresh spinach, and rich marinara sauce, all baked to bubbling, golden perfection. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and texture, making this dish a soul-satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or impressing your friends with minimal fuss. Trust me, this is one recipe that brings warmth and joy straight from the oven to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that work together like old friends to create a stunningly tasty dish. Each one is essential, whether it’s the earthy spinach adding freshness or the cheesy tortellini bringing that luscious gooey center. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe truly shine.
- Cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, opt for fresh or frozen for the best texture and flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Roughly chopped, it adds a pop of color and a healthy, mellow bite.
- Flat-leaf parsley: Adds bright, herbaceous notes to balance the richness.
- Fresh oregano: Brings a fragrant, slightly peppery punch – dried works in a pinch.
- Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite homemade or store-bought – it’s the saucy heart of the dish.
- Shredded mozzarella: Divided for mixing in and topping, it melts beautifully to create stretchable, gooey goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Also divided, to add savory depth inside and a crispy, golden crust on top.
How to Make Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil an 8-inch square or a 1 ½ quart baking dish to ensure nothing sticks when baking. This step sets the stage for an evenly cooked, easy-to-serve casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package directions until tender but still firm to the bite. Be sure to drain thoroughly to avoid excess water diluting your sauce later.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a spacious bowl, toss together the cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, chopped fresh spinach, parsley, oregano, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. This combination ensures every bite is packed with flavor and a harmonious mix of creamy cheese and vivid herbs.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer your tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top. This layering is what creates the delightful contrast between gooey inside and that irresistible golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is bubbling at the edges, signaling everything is heated through and ready to enjoy.
Step 6: Optional Browning
If you love a beautifully browned top, slide the dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye so it turns golden and crisp without burning. This little extra step adds a lovely texture and visual appeal to your baked tortellini.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once baked, carefully remove your Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe from the oven and serve immediately. It’s perfect as is or accompanied by your favorite garnishes and sides.
How to Serve Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or extra parsley sprinkled on top add a vibrant pop of color and freshness right before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can lift the dish with a subtle depth or kick if you enjoy a little heat.
Side Dishes
This hearty baked tortellini pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, garlic bread to mop up every bit of sauce, or roasted vegetables for an extra layer of earthy flavor. The simplicity of the sides lets the main dish truly steal the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins for a personalized touch at dinner parties. Layer with additional cheese or even a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy surprise. However you choose to plate it, this Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe invites comfort and elegance to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish holds up wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and the cheese creamy.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked tortellini for up to 2 months. Just assemble the casserole but don’t bake it yet, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, allowing extra time in the oven to heat through.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally for even heating without drying out the pasta or sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it in to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
Is it necessary to boil the tortellini before baking?
Yes, cooking the tortellini before baking ensures they’re tender and fully cooked. Baking alone won’t give them enough time to soften properly.
Can I substitute the marinara sauce with another type of sauce?
While marinara is classic and complements the flavors beautifully, you can try a creamy Alfredo or a pesto if you’re in the mood for something different. Just keep in mind the overall flavor balance.
How do I get a crispy top without drying out the tortellini?
Use the broiler for only 1 or 2 minutes at the end of baking and watch it carefully. This quick blast creates a golden crust without overcooking the entire dish.
What cheese works best if I want to vary the mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella adds a lovely creaminess, smoked mozzarella gives a delicious depth, and even a low-moisture mozzarella works well for a cleaner melt. Feel free to experiment with what you have!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Baked Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Marinara Recipe a try because it combines ease, comfort, and incredible flavor that everyone will love. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for any day you want to feel cozy without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy 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: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Tortellini recipe is a comforting and simple Italian-inspired casserole that combines tender cheese tortellini with fresh spinach, herbs, marinara sauce, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to perfection, it’s an easy weeknight meal perfect for families or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta and Veggies
- 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)
Sauces and Cheese
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil an 8-inch square or 1 ½ quart baking dish to prevent the tortellini from sticking during baking.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, fresh chopped spinach, parsley, oregano, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Make sure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the dish is heated through.
- Optional Browning: For a golden-brown and slightly crispy cheese topping, place the casserole under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried if fresh are not available, adjusting amounts accordingly.
- If you prefer, use spinach and other leafy greens like kale or arugula.
- Mozzarella can be smoked or regular for different flavor profiles.
- Make sure to drain the tortellini well to avoid a watery casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
