Description
A creamy and comforting Alfredo Tortellini Bake featuring cheese-filled tortellini smothered in a rich Parmesan and garlic Alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for an easy Italian-American main course that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate, so they remain slightly firm to finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Thicken the sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce for 4–5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
- Combine tortellini and sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the sauce and stir gently to coat each piece fully with the creamy Alfredo mixture.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the sauced tortellini to the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of freshness and color before serving warm.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken or crumbled Italian sausage before baking.
- You can substitute frozen tortellini; just increase the boiling time slightly before baking.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to enhance flavor and visual appeal.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
