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
Scale
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.
