Short Description

A warm, comforting casserole of tender cheese-filled tortellini baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with a generous layer of gooey, golden cheese. This dish is simple to prepare yet impressive enough for family dinners or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy baked tortellini is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and can be prepared with just a few pantry staples. The combination of creamy cheese, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, meaning fewer dishes to wash.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cheese tortellini (fresh, refrigerated, or frozen)
Marinara or tomato sauce
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Optional: ground beef or Italian sausage, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, fresh basil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
If adding meat, cook ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Stir in the tomato or marinara sauce, along with any desired seasonings.
If using frozen tortellini, allow it to thaw slightly. Fresh tortellini can be added directly.
Combine the tortellini with the sauce in a large bowl or directly in the baking dish.
Transfer to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Extra cheesy: Add ricotta between the pasta and sauce layers for extra creaminess.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Creamy version: Replace marinara with alfredo sauce for a richer flavor.
Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
Pesto blend: Stir a few spoonfuls of basil pesto into the sauce before baking.

Storage / Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For freezing, assemble the dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, simply thaw slightly before mixing with the sauce or add extra baking time if using directly from frozen.

Q2. Do I need to cook the tortellini before baking?

Fresh or refrigerated tortellini can be baked without boiling. Dried tortellini should be cooked al dente first.

Q3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, ravioli or short pasta shapes like penne work well as substitutes.

Q4. How do I make it more flavorful?

Use fresh herbs, sautéed garlic, and a mix of cheeses for added depth.

Q5. What cheese melts best for this dish?

Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan give the best melt and flavor.

Q6. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q7. Is it freezer-friendly after baking?

Yes, but the texture is best if frozen before baking.

Q8. Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free tortellini and plant-based cheese alternatives.

Q9. What can I serve with it?

A fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Q10. How do I keep it from drying out?

Cover with foil for most of the baking time, uncovering only to brown the cheese at the end.

Conclusion

Cheesy baked tortellini is a versatile, satisfying dish that comes together with minimal effort. Whether you make it as a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal, its rich flavors and comforting texture will win over any table of guests. It’s a timeless pasta bake that deserves a spot in your recipe rotation