Short Description

Cheese Tortellini Bake is a rich, satisfying pasta dish layered with marinara sauce, melty cheese, and tender cheese-stuffed tortellini. Baked to perfection and garnished with fresh basil, this crowd-pleasing recipe is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any night when comfort food is a must.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tortellini bake is a quick and easy way to deliver restaurant-quality flavor at home. It’s loaded with cheesy goodness and simple pantry staples, making it both convenient and cost-effective. Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, this creamy, comforting dish is sure to be a favorite at the dinner table.

Ingredients

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

20 oz package of cheese tortellini
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Meat Lovers’ Bake: Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the tortellini mixture.
Spicy Twist: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for added heat.
Vegetable Add-ins: Include sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.
Alfredo Version: Substitute half of the marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce for a creamy tomato fusion.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and verify all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the baked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of water or sauce if needed to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just cook the frozen tortellini according to the package directions before assembling the bake.

What kind of marinara sauce should I use?

Use your favorite jarred marinara or homemade sauce. Choose one with herbs or garlic for extra flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What cheeses work well in this recipe?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but feel free to add provolone, fontina, or a cheese blend for more depth.

How do I prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy?

Cook the tortellini just until al dente before baking, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, assemble everything and cook on low for 2–3 hours, or until heated through and bubbly.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, as long as your cheese and tortellini are made without animal rennet, this dish is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I add extra sauce?

Absolutely. If you prefer a saucier bake, increase the marinara to 2½ or even 3 cups.

Can I use refrigerated tortellini?

Yes, refrigerated tortellini work perfectly and typically cook in just a few minutes.

What side dishes go well with this bake?

Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Cheese Tortellini Bake is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and loved by all ages. With minimal prep and wholesome ingredients, it’s a reliable go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. Serve it hot and bubbly with a sprinkle of fresh basil and enjoy the delicious simplicity of this classic baked pasta dish.

Cheese Tortellini Bake

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Author: Douaa
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheese Tortellini Bake is the ultimate comfort food — gooey, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Made with tender cheese-filled pasta, savory marinara, and melty mozzarella, it’s a simple, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

20 oz package of cheese tortellini
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Pasta:
Boil cheese tortellini according to package directions. Drain well.
Mix Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked tortellini with marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble and Bake:
Transfer mixture into a baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or salad.

Notes

For extra flavor, stir in sautéed spinach or cooked Italian sausage.
• Use your favorite pasta sauce — roasted garlic, spicy arrabbiata, or creamy tomato.
• Can be prepped ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American