Description
This easy and comforting baked tortellini recipe combines tender cheese tortellini with fresh spinach, herbs, marinara sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked pasta dish is simple to prepare and delivers a cheesy, flavorful meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16 to 20 ounce) package cheese tortellini (or any variety)
- 2 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (fresh, packaged, or smoked; divided)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil an 8-inch square or 1 ½ quart baking dish to prevent the tortellini from sticking during baking.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, chopped fresh spinach, parsley, oregano, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until evenly mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the tortellini mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, the sauce is bubbly at the edges, and the dish is heated through.
- Optional Browning: For a golden and slightly crispy cheese topping, place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Notes
- You can use frozen tortellini but adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
- Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted as indicated.
- Feel free to add cooked vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture.
- Leftover baked tortellini can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If using a smoked mozzarella, it will add a subtle smoky flavor that complements the marinara sauce nicely.
