Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe
This Alfredo Tortellini Bake is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish featuring tender cheese tortellini tossed in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal, it combines simple ingredients with a luscious sauce for a delightful pasta bake.
- Author: Elias
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Pasta Base
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure easy serving.
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the refrigerated cheese tortellini in salted water according to package instructions, but cook it 1–2 minutes less than al dente for a firmer bite since it will bake later. Drain the tortellini and toss with olive oil to keep the pieces from sticking together.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it to preserve flavor.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet and toss well to evenly coat every piece with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the sauced tortellini to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and extra grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, comforting pasta bake.
Notes
- For extra protein and flavor, add cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed spinach before baking.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smoother melting.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the Alfredo sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Alfredo tortellini bake, cheesy pasta bake, baked tortellini, creamy Alfredo recipe, easy baked pasta, comfort food pasta