Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food – the million dollar baked tortellini casserole! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-simple to whip up! I love how it combines tender tortellini with rich marinara sauce and creamy cheeses, creating a flavor explosion that makes everyone at the table happy. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! What I adore most is how you can prep it in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, you can throw in some veggies if you’re feeling fancy! It’s truly the kind of meal that feels special without all the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole
Gather these simple yet delicious ingredients to create your million dollar baked tortellini casserole:
- 1 package (16 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
These ingredients come together beautifully, giving you that comforting, cheesy goodness that’s just irresistible!
How to Prepare Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole
Making this million dollar baked tortellini casserole is as easy as pie—well, easier! Follow these simple steps for a dish that’s sure to impress:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for that cheesy goodness!
- Next, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Don’t overcook them; you want them al dente since they’ll bake more in the oven!
- While the tortellini is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s nice and smooth.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it and gently fold it into the sauce mixture. Make sure every piece is coated in that delicious sauce!
- Now, in a baking dish, spread half of the tortellini mixture evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over it.
- Add the remaining tortellini mixture on top and finish off with the rest of the cheeses. Yum!
- Bake it in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Finally, garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The combination of cheesy tortellini and rich marinara creates a mouthwatering flavor.
- It’s a one-dish meal that’s perfect for serving family and friends.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies for added nutrition.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress at potlucks or gatherings.
- This casserole is vegetarian-friendly, catering to a variety of dietary needs.
Tips for Success
To make your million dollar baked tortellini casserole truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skimp on the quality of your marinara sauce—go for a brand you love, or even better, make your own if you have the time! For an extra creamy texture, try mixing in a bit of cream cheese with the ricotta. Also, feel free to add sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost the flavor and nutrition. And remember, letting it sit for a few minutes after baking allows the cheesy goodness to set up perfectly, making it easier to serve. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your casserole to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of the million dollar baked tortellini casserole:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every cheesy bite guilt-free!
FAQ About Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, just cover it and refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese? No worries! You can substitute it with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a different twist. Just blend it well to keep that creamy texture!
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! Just let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container. It should keep well for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more delightful, pair your million dollar baked tortellini casserole with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple arugula or spinach salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread for that extra crunch and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of roasted vegetables adds a lovely touch of color and nutrition to the table. Enjoy your delicious feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your million dollar baked tortellini casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy that cheesy goodness all over again!
Print
Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole You’ll Love Forever
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty baked tortellini casserole that is simple to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 package cheese tortellini (16 oz)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Spread half of the tortellini mixture in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the first layer.
- Add the remaining tortellini mixture and top with the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Substitute marinara with any pasta sauce of your choice.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: million dollar baked tortellini casserole
