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Baked Tortellini Casserole

This recipe crafts a comforting Baked Tortellini Casserole by combining dried tortellini with a rich, creamy spaghetti sauce and a generous blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Layered and baked until golden and bubbly, it's an easy-to-prepare and satisfying dish perfect for a family meal.
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Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 people
Calories 2360.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot For boiling tortellini
  • 1 Mixing Bowl For combining sauce ingredients
  • 1 Whisk To ensure a smooth cream cheese mixture
  • 1 9x13 Baking Dish Or similar large casserole dish
  • 1 Measuring Cups For accurate ingredient portions

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 9 ounce packages of dried tortellini I used one cheese and one mushroom
  • 1 jar spaghetti sauce
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 4 roma tomatoes or a handful of cherry tomatoes optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the dried tortellini according to package directions, until al dente; drain well and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, milk, and garlic powder until smooth and fully combined.
  • Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce and the grated Parmesan cheese until well incorporated into the creamy mixture.
  • Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce mixture and gently toss to ensure all tortellini is evenly coated.
  • Spread half of the tortellini mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the first layer of tortellini.
  • Add the remaining tortellini mixture on top, and then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  • If using, arrange the sliced Roma or cherry tomatoes evenly over the top of the casserole.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden; let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For optimal results, cook the dried tortellini to just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy. When preparing the sauce, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth consistency. Consider enriching the spaghetti sauce with fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Layering the tortellini and mozzarella ensures an even distribution of cheese throughout the casserole. The optional tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color, making for a more appealing presentation. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to help the cheese set, making for cleaner portions.