Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. If using frozen tortellini, there’s no need to thaw it—it will cook perfectly in the oven.
In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. This adds a rich, creamy layer that makes the dish extra indulgent. Set aside.
Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the tortellini evenly over the sauce. Next, dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the tortellini, spreading it lightly but not mixing it in. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring all the pasta is coated.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the dish, followed by the remaining Parmesan cheese. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick.
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. If you want a slightly crispier top, switch to broil mode for 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Remove the Cheesy Tortellini Bake from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g