Baked Tortellini Recipes: A Delicious and Easy Guide
Tortellini, those delightful little pasta parcels, are incredibly versatile. While boiling them is classic, baking them unlocks a whole new world of flavour and texture. This guide explores various baked tortellini recipes, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings. We'll cover everything from simple cheese-based options to more elaborate meat-filled creations, catering to different tastes and skill levels.
Simple & Satisfying Baked Tortellini Recipes
These recipes are perfect for beginners and those short on time. They focus on highlighting the tortellini's inherent deliciousness with minimal fuss.
Creamy Tomato Baked Tortellini
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining the tangy sweetness of tomatoes with a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Don't overcook!
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra cheesy goodness!
Four-Cheese Baked Tortellini
This recipe focuses on the luxuriousness of different cheeses, creating a comforting and decadent meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Asiago cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook tortellini according to package directions.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
More Adventurous Baked Tortellini Recipes
These recipes offer a more complex flavour profile, perfect for those looking to expand their culinary horizons.
Baked Tortellini with Sausage and Spinach
This recipe adds savoury sausage and nutritious spinach for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb meat tortellini (or cheese tortellini)
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook tortellini according to package directions.
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, sausage, spinach, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
Baked Tortellini with Roasted Vegetables
This recipe showcases the versatility of baked tortellini by incorporating seasonal roasted vegetables. Feel free to experiment with your favorite combinations!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 cup roasted vegetables (e.g., broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers)
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roast vegetables until tender.
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
- Combine cooked tortellini, roasted vegetables, Alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese. Season to taste.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Remember to adjust seasonings to your preference. Enjoy experimenting with different cheeses, vegetables, and meats to create your own signature baked tortellini recipe! Happy baking!
