Baked Tortellini Casserole with Cheese
Ingredients
Regarding the casserole:
- Two 9-oz containers of chilled tortellini (filled with spinach or cheese)
- Marinara sauce (or your preferred pasta sauce) in a 24-ounce jar
- Ricotta cheese, one cup
- One cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Half a cup o Parmesan cheese, grated
- One teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- One teaspoon of powdered garlic
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- Half a teaspoon of black pepper
- Garnish with parsley or fresh basil, if desired.
Directions
Warm up the oven:
- Set the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F).
Prepare the tortellini:
- Bring salted water to a boil in a big pot. Cook the tortellini as directed on the box until they are al dente, which should take three to five minutes. After draining, set away.
Get the cheese mixture ready.
- Ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, half a cup of mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper should all be combined in a medium-sized bowl. Stir until thoroughly blended.
Mix the sauce and the tortellini:
- Combine the marinara sauce and cooked tortellini in a big basin and toss to coat.
Put the casserole in layers:
- Spread half of the tortellini mixture evenly in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish that has been oiled. Over the top, spoon half of the cheese mixture. Continue with the remaining cheese mixture and tortellini.
Include the toppings:
- Cover the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Bake:
- Use aluminum foil to cover the baking dish; you can use cooking spray to keep the foil from sticking. Bake for twenty-five minutes in a preheated oven. After taking off the foil, continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
Chill and serve:
- Before serving, let the dish to cool for five to ten minutes. If desired, garnish with parsley or fresh basil.
Advice
- Add Veggies: For more taste and nutrition, feel free to add cooked vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Protein Boost: For a heartier dinner, include shredded rotisserie chicken, Italian sausage, or cooked ground beef.
- Prepare Ahead: The casserole can be put together ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to a day before baking. If it’s cold out of the refrigerator, simply extend the baking time by a few minutes.
- Option for Freezing: This casserole freezes nicely! Put the dish together, cover it well, and freeze it for up to two or three months. Before baking, thaw in the fridge.
Savor the cozy, cheesy treat that is your Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole, which is ideal for any night of the week!