Looking for a cozy and comforting dinner idea? This Baked Tortellini with Cheese recipe is the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and hearty flavors. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and delicious with marinara, Alfredo, or pesto sauce. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly for easy make-ahead meals. Serve it with garlic bread, salad, or roasted veggies for a complete, satisfying meal everyone will love!
When it comes to easy and comforting dinners, it’s hard to beat a big pan of Baked Tortellini with Cheese. This dish is one of those go-to recipes that checks all the right boxes—rich, cheesy, and satisfying. Plus, it’s simple enough to throw together on a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve for a cozy weekend dinner.
The best part about baked tortellini with cheese? It’s so versatile. Whether you’re craving a classic Italian-style dish or want to toss in a few extra ingredients to make it your own, this recipe has you covered. You can keep it straightforward with cheese tortellini, marinara sauce, and a blend of gooey melted cheese. Or you can add in some cooked ground beef, sausage, or even roasted veggies for a heartier meal.
But what really makes baked tortellini with cheese shine is its simplicity. It’s the type of recipe you can prep in minutes and then let the oven work its magic while you take a breather. And when it’s done, you’ve got a bubbling, cheesy, comforting dish that’s sure to make everyone at the table happy.
What Goes Well with Tortellini?
Baked tortellini with cheese is rich and flavorful, which makes it the perfect centerpiece for a variety of side dishes. If you’re aiming for a classic Italian-inspired meal, a crisp, fresh salad is the way to go. Think Caesar salad or a simple mixed green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks are another great choice. The soft, chewy bread pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy tortellini and gives you something to mop up all that delicious sauce.
Roasted vegetables also complement baked tortellini well. Try serving it with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or even zucchini to add a little extra nutrition and texture to your meal. If you want to get fancy, you could even serve your tortellini with an antipasto platter featuring olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats.
What Sauce Goes Well with Tortellini?
The beauty of baked tortellini with cheese is that it’s versatile enough to work with all kinds of sauces. While a rich, tomato-based marinara sauce is the classic choice, you can absolutely switch things up depending on your mood. It works perfectly with jarred marinara sauce or a homemade sauce if you’ve got a recipe you absolutely love.
Alfredo sauce is a creamy, luxurious option that pairs well with both a cheese filled tortellini and spinach filled tortellini. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even do a mix of marinara and Alfredo sauces for a creamy, tomato-based delight that brings the best of both worlds to your plate.
Pesto is another fantastic choice, especially if you’re looking for something with a little more punch. Its bright, herby flavor adds a fresh element that balances out the richness of the cheese. Yes, you can use jarred pesto if you need to.
Of course, you can also make things your own by adding a meat-based sauce. A hearty Bolognese or sausage-based sauce will turn your baked tortellini into a filling, satisfying meal that feels like comfort food at its finest.
Can You Freeze Baked Tortellini with Cheese?
Absolutely! This cheese tortellini recipe is one of those dishes that lends itself well to freezing and reheating. If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, you can easily prepare everything up to the baking stage.
Simply cover your dish tightly with foil and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. You might need to add a little extra baking time to ensure it heats all the way through, but it’ll still turn out delicious.
If you’ve already baked the tortellini and want to save the leftovers, no worries. Just transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and freeze. To reheat, simply cover with foil and pop it in the oven until warmed through, or microwave smaller portions for a quicker fix.
Whether you’re making it fresh or pulling it out of the freezer, baked tortellini with cheese is one of those dishes that just makes you feel good. It’s cozy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. No matter how you choose to make it, one thing’s for sure— I am sure your family will be asking for seconds.
Baked Tortellini with Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 24 oz Pasta sauce
- 1 19oz bag Cheese tortellini frozen
- 8 oz Ricotta cheese
- 1 C Mozzarella cheese Shredded
- C Parmesan cheese Shredded
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Add the ground beef to a large skillet, and season with the garlic and Italian seasoning. Brown over medium heat.1 lb Ground beef, 2 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp Garlic powder
- While the ground is cooking, cook the pasta a la dente according to the package directions; drain and set aside.1 19oz bag Cheese tortellini
- Once the ground beef is cooked, drain the excess grease.
- Add the pasta sauce and ricotta cheese to the skillet, stir well, and allow it to melt. Season with extra Italian seasoning and garlic powder, if desired.8 oz Ricotta cheese, 24 oz Pasta sauce
- Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet, and lightly toss.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish and pour the mixture in. Top with layers of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.1 C Mozzarella cheese, C Parmesan cheese
- Bake on the center rack for 20 minutes. Turn the broiler on high, and bake for an additional 3 minutes.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an air tight food storage container in the fridge. Use within 5 days. This can also be frozen. Use within 3-months.
- To use from frozen, transfer to a baking dish and reheat in the oven at 350°F.
- Nutritional information is auto-calculated and may not be 100% correct. Please use caution if you follow a special diet.
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