Cheesy Baked Tortellini
This cheesy baked tortellini is a simple comfort food casserole loaded with tender cheese-filled pasta, rich marinara sauce, fresh herbs, and plenty of melted cheese. It's an easy family dinner that's ready in under an hour.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 12 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped, divided
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped, divided
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large casserole dish, combine the tortellini, onion, most of the parsley, most of the basil, marinara sauce, water, and olive oil.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully stir the pasta mixture.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish again and return it to the oven for 10 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with the remaining fresh basil and parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Refrigerated tortellini cooks directly in the sauce, making this an easy one-dish meal.
- Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.