If you’re craving a soul-warming Italian-American dish that oozes comfort and rich flavors, look no further than this Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to bubbly perfection, it combines tender cheese tortellini with a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, then tops it all with golden mozzarella for that irresistible crust. This dish brings together simple ingredients into a cozy, indulgent casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch when combined, creating a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and beautifully textured. Each plays an essential role—from the rich creaminess of the dairy to the fresh brightness of parsley and the gooey melt of mozzarella.
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, cheese-filled pasta that cooks quickly and provides a delightful bite.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a velvety base for the sauce’s roux.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups whole milk: Contributes to the sauce’s smooth body and delicate flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts creaminess and luscious texture in the Alfredo sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor essential for classic Alfredo taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): A subtle warming note that elevates the sauce’s flavor beautifully.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible golden, stretchy topping.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness for garnish.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: For greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking.
How to Make Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This ensures your cheesy masterpiece won’t stick and will come out of the dish cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini just until al dente, following the package instructions closely. Drain and set aside, as the pasta will finish cooking in the creamy sauce during baking.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant—you’ll instantly notice the comforting aroma filling your kitchen. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic to make a roux, cooking it for 1 minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce smoothly thickens, which should take 3 to 4 minutes. Next, stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg until silky and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Place the cooked tortellini in the prepared baking dish and pour the rich Alfredo sauce evenly over the pasta. Gently toss to ensure every tortellini is coated in creamy goodness. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the top, which will melt into a golden, bubbly crust in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce bubbles invitingly and the mozzarella turns beautifully golden on top. Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle into that irresistibly creamy texture.
How to Serve Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh and colorful touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. The vibrant green adds a lovely contrast to the creamy white and golden hues of the bake, plus it brings a hint of herbal brightness that lifts the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables. Try serving it alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli to add some crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, scoop individual portions into small oven-safe ramekins and bake them separately. This personal twist makes for a charming and elegant dinner setup. Or, add cooked chicken or Italian sausage into the layers before baking to make it a heartier main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cheesy feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for even tastier bites the next day.
Freezing
This bake freezes well, too! Once cooled, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Cover with foil if the top begins to brown too much. Alternatively, microwave single portions on medium power until hot, adding a splash of milk if the sauce feels too thick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook the frozen tortellini for a minute or two less than package instructions before assembling the bake, so they don’t overcook in the oven.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, the Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe as written is vegetarian. Make sure the cheeses you use don’t contain animal rennet if you prefer strictly vegetarian cheeses.
Can I add protein like chicken or sausage?
You can definitely add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or even sautéed mushrooms to make this bake more filling and hearty. Just mix them in with the tortellini before adding the sauce.
How do I get a crispy, golden top?
For an extra golden and bubbly top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter sauce, you can replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of whole milk plus a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream to keep it creamy. However, heavy cream gives the richest results.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe is pure comfort in a dish—a perfect blend of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheese that will satisfy your craving for a hearty Italian-American classic. It’s so simple to make yet delightfully impressive, making it an ideal recipe to keep in your culinary repertoire. Give it a try soon and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals!
Print
Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake is a comforting Italian-American main course featuring tender cheese tortellini baked in a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that combines rich flavors and a golden bubbly top, perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Other
- Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Tortellini: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg (if using) to season the sauce. Remove from heat once fully combined.
- Assemble the Bake: Place the cooked tortellini into the prepared baking dish. Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the tortellini and gently toss to coat all pasta pieces well.
- Add Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the sauced tortellini for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the mozzarella is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or steamed broccoli for a heartier meal.
- You can also use frozen tortellini—just cook it slightly less before baking to avoid overcooking.
- For an extra golden top, broil the bake for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
