Now, this cheesy baked tortellini casserole is a regular in our dinner rotation. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick, satisfying, and that the whole family will devour. It’s become my go-to when I need a comforting, easy meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Trust me, once you try this easy baked tortellini recipe, it will become a staple in your house too. It’s just that good!
Ingredients for Oven-Baked Tortellini
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!
- 1 (20-ounce) package of refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup ricotta cheese, dollops on top
I always use refrigerated cheese tortellini for this recipe; it cooks up perfectly in the oven. My favorite brand for marinara sauce is Rao’s, but honestly, any good-quality marinara will work. If you are feeling ambitious, you can even make your own Marinara Sauce Recipe!
Here’s a trick I learned from my mom: buy your mozzarella in bulk and shred it yourself. It melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff because it doesn’t have the added cellulose that prevents clumping.
For the basil, fresh is definitely best! I grow my own in a little herb garden on my patio. It adds such a vibrant flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried, but use about half the amount.
To save time, I often mince the garlic in advance and store it in a small container in the fridge. It’s a huge time-saver on busy weeknights. You can find pre-minced garlic in the produce section of your grocery store, but it doesn’t taste as fresh as freshly minced. Also, I like to toss the tortellini in a little bit of olive oil after cooking so that it doesn’t stick together. I buy my olive oil in bulk at Costco to save money!
Speaking of saving money, if you have leftover Parmesan rinds, don’t throw them away! You can add them to your marinara sauce while it simmers for extra flavor. Just remove them before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own cheesy baked tortellini masterpiece. Remember, a little love in the kitchen goes a long way!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions, but slightly undercook it by about 2 minutes. You want it to be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. In my kitchen, this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain the tortellini well and toss with olive oil, so it doesn’t stick.
- While the tortellini is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Don’t let it burn! I learned the hard way that burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should smell like a warm, comforting Italian kitchen.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cooked tortellini and half of the mozzarella cheese (3/4 cup) and half of the parmesan cheese (1/4 cup). Make sure everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Pour the tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. If you’re using ricotta cheese, dollop it evenly over the top as well.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. It should be golden brown and irresistible. You’ll know it’s ready when you can’t resist sticking a fork in it!
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. This allows the cheese to set up a bit, so it doesn’t slide all over the place.
While the oven-baked tortellini with marinara cheese is baking, I like to toss a quick salad or steam some green beans. It’s the perfect way to round out the meal. I usually have enough time to set the table and pour some drinks too. On those nights when I’m really organized, I’ll even prep dessert! I’ve also found that grating the cheese ahead of time saves time during prep! Don’t worry if the cheese browns a little too much, that’s just extra flavor! And if you don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish, a similar-sized casserole dish will work just fine.
Serving Ideas
Want to take this dish to the next level? Here are a few serving suggestions that will make your meal even more enjoyable. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a potluck with friends, this tortellini bake is sure to impress.
My family loves it when I serve this cheesy baked tortellini casserole with a side of garlic bread. The kids love dipping the bread into the extra marinara sauce. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is also a great accompaniment. It adds a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
This marinara tortellini bake is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, but it’s also great for potlucks or even a simple get-together with friends. My friends always ask for the recipe when I bring it to parties.
If you have extras (which is rare in my house!), they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven. I often pack it for my husband’s lunch the next day.
During the summer, I like to add some grilled vegetables, like zucchini and bell peppers, to the tortellini mixture before baking. It adds a nice summery twist. In the fall, I sometimes add some cooked butternut squash or spinach for a heartier dish.
For a festive holiday meal, you can add some cooked Italian sausage or mini meatballs to the casserole. It makes it extra special. I learned that presentation is key when it comes to getting my kids to try new things, so I always make sure to garnish it with plenty of fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. It just makes it look more appealing.
FAQs About Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe to help you troubleshoot and customize it to your liking.
- Can I use frozen tortellini?Oh, I’m so glad you asked! Yes, you can use frozen tortellini, but you don’t need to thaw it first. Just add it to the sauce and bake as directed, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. I’ve done this many times when I’ve forgotten to take the refrigerated tortellini out of the freezer.
- Can I make this ahead of time?Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake it. I actually think it tastes even better when the flavors have had a chance to meld together in the fridge.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, asiago, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious. My husband loves it when I add a layer of provolone!
- Can I add meat to this dish?You know what I do when that happens? I brown some ground beef or Italian sausage and add it to the sauce before baking. It adds a nice protein boost and makes it even more filling. Cooked chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken would also work well.
- What if my sauce is too thick?Oh no! If your sauce is too thick, just add a little bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out. You can also add a splash of red wine for extra flavor. I’ve had this happen when I’ve used a particularly thick marinara sauce.
- Can I make this vegetarian?Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by using cheese tortellini and omitting any meat. You can also add some extra vegetables, like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers, to make it more filling.
- What if my cheese is browning too quickly?That happened to me once, and I learned a simple trick! If your cheese is browning too quickly, just tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking. This will prevent the cheese from burning while allowing the casserole to heat through.
My Final Thoughts
This oven-baked tortellini with marinara cheese recipe is more than just a meal to me. It’s a symbol of those crazy, busy weeknights when I need something quick, easy, and comforting to feed my family. It’s a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and memorable. It really has become a huge family favorite.
My Pro Tips:
- Always slightly undercook the tortellini before baking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and add-ins to customize the dish to your family’s tastes.
- Garnish with plenty of fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.
Here are a few variations I’ve tried with my family:
- Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini Bake: Add a layer of sautéed spinach and ricotta cheese to the casserole for a healthier twist.
- Spicy Italian Tortellini Bake: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat. My oldest son loves this version!
- Creamy Tomato Tortellini Bake: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce for a creamier texture.
I’d love to hear how you make this marinara tortellini bake your own! What are your favorite add-ins and variations? I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Happy cooking, my friend! And remember, don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly the first time. Cooking is all about learning and experimenting. You’ve got this! If you love one-pan meals? Explore more Cheesesteak Tortellini in Creamy Provolone Sauce and Delicious Creamy Cheesesteak Tortellini too!
PrintOven-Baked Tortellini with Marinara Cheese: A Family Favorite
This baked tortellini recipe is easy to make and tastes amazing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine tortellini, marinara sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: tortellini, baked, pasta, cheese, marinara