Description
This Alfredo Tortellini Bake is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Featuring tender cheese tortellini tossed in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, and plenty of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, then baked until bubbly and golden on top. Ready in just 35 minutes and serving six, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that combines convenience and indulgence in one skillet and oven recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even baking.
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook for one minute less than the package instructions to keep them slightly firm. Drain well and transfer the tortellini to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet with the garlic and butter. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and cream cheese is fully melted.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
- Combine Sauce and Tortellini: Pour the Alfredo sauce over the tortellini in the casserole dish. Gently stir to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the tortellini and sauce.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Golden Top (Optional): For an extra golden and slightly crispy top, broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy your creamy Alfredo Tortellini Bake!
Notes
- Cooking tortellini slightly less than package instructions helps prevent overcooking during baking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Adjust the garlic amount based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Broiling is optional but adds a nice golden crust on top.
- You can add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated covered to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
