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
Scale
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.
