Cheese Tortellini Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole—rich, cheesy, and baked to bubbly perfection. Tender cheese-filled tortellini are coated in a savory sauce, layered with melted cheese, and baked until golden on top. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
This baked tortellini recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether served on its own or paired with a fresh salad, Cheese Tortellini Bake is a reliable favorite everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Cheese Tortellini Bake
- Ultra cheesy and comforting
- Easy baked pasta dish
- Made with simple ingredients
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Great for make-ahead meals
- Kid-friendly and family-approved
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love baked pasta dishes but want something easier than lasagna, this recipe is for you. Cheese tortellini cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully, making this bake rich, satisfying, and incredibly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups marinara sauce (or tomato basil sauce)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cheese Tortellini Bake
Step 1 — Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2 — Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well.
Step 3 — Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4 — Assemble the Bake
Add cooked tortellini to the sauce mixture and gently toss to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
Step 5 — Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 6 — Rest and Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 22g
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Tips for the Best Cheese Tortellini Bake
- Do not overcook tortellini before baking
- Use high-quality marinara sauce
- Let rest before serving for clean slices
- Add extra cheese for a richer bake
- Cover with foil first to prevent over-browning
Variations & Substitutions
- Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef
- Add spinach or mushrooms for veggies
- Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes
- Use gluten-free tortellini if needed
What to Serve With Cheese Tortellini Bake
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Simple green salad
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the tortellini
- Using too little sauce
- Skipping the resting time
- Baking uncovered the entire time
- Under-seasoning
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the oven or microwave
- Freeze before baking for up to 2 months
Conclusion
Cheese Tortellini Bake is a simple, comforting baked pasta dish that delivers rich flavor and gooey cheese in every bite. Easy enough for weeknights and satisfying enough for guests, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
General Information
- Course: Main Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze Cheese Tortellini Bake?
Yes. Freeze before baking for best texture.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, cook according to package directions first.
Can I make it vegetarian?
It already is vegetarian as written.
Can I add meat?
Absolutely—sausage or ground beef works well.