Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe
If you’re looking for the kind of meal that makes a weekday dinner feel absolutely special, this Alfredo Tortellini Bake is about to become your new comfort food obsession. Imagine plump cheese-filled tortellini snuggled under a thick, creamy Alfredo blanket, with layers of molten mozzarella and just the right touch of Italian seasoning. Whether you make it with chicken or go complete vegetarian, every forkful bursts with cheesy, garlicky goodness—easy enough for a quick family meal, yet impressive for hosting friends. This is the ultimate “everyone asks for seconds” casserole, and you won’t believe how simple it is to pull off!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Alfredo Tortellini Bake uses simple, everyday ingredients, each chosen to create layer after layer of creamy flavor and rich texture. Don’t skip a thing—each piece plays a big role in making this casserole totally irresistible.
- Cheese tortellini (20 ounces, refrigerated): These plump, cheesy pasta bites are the heart and soul of the dish, so choose your favorite brand.
- Alfredo sauce (2 cups): Homemade adds a lovely touch, but a good-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce keeps things quick and easy.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): This adds extra creaminess and a subtle, rich flavor that takes the bake to the next level.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): It gives the filling luscious tang and makes things extra smooth.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Just the right amount of garlicky kick without overpowering the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a balanced herb flavor that echoes classic Italian comfort.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): One layer melts into the filling and the rest bubbles beautifully on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds sharp salty notes and melts into golden, cheesy perfection.
- Cooked chicken breast, diced (1 cup, optional): Toss it in for extra protein, or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): This simple garnish adds color and a fresh pop right before serving.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To make every bite perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Alfredo Tortellini Bake
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your cheese tortellini and let them cook just 2 to 3 minutes—just until they float. The key is not to overcook, since they’ll finish in the oven. Drain them well and set aside—you want these little pillows to stay plump and not too soft.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce Mixture
In your largest mixing bowl, stir together Alfredo sauce, creamy ricotta, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, one cup of mozzarella, a handful of Parmesan, and cooked chicken if you’re using it. Give it a good stir and season with salt and black pepper. This mixture should look irresistibly rich and dreamy—almost too good to wait!
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Pasta
Now it’s time for the tortellini to join the party. Gently fold them into the Alfredo mixture, being careful not to break them. They’ll get evenly coated in all that creamy, cheesy loveliness—every piece deserves its share!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spoon in the tortellini and sauce mixture. Spread everything out in an even layer. Sprinkle the rest of your mozzarella cheese across the top for a golden, bubbly finish. Slide the dish into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until everything is hot, bubbly, and just starting to brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let your Alfredo Tortellini Bake rest for a couple of minutes out of the oven to set. Just before serving, scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top—it’s a little pop of green that looks gorgeous and adds a fresh touch. Serve it up warm and watch everyone dig in!
How to Serve Alfredo Tortellini Bake
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and maybe a little extra Parmesan brings color and sparkle to your Alfredo Tortellini Bake. Love a little heat? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper just before bringing it to the table.
Side Dishes
This cheesy bake is rich and indulgent, so a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes the perfect sidekick. Add warm, crusty garlic bread for an irresistible combo that scoops up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Alfredo Tortellini Bake family-style in the big baking dish for cozy gatherings, or portion it into individual ramekins for a dinner party. Dress it up for brunch by adding sautéed mushrooms or swap in spinach for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Alfredo Tortellini Bake stores wonderfully. Cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they mingle!
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking for a super convenient make-ahead meal. Wrap the unbaked dish well with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout—about 20 minutes should do it. Individual portions can be microwaved in short bursts; just add a splash of milk if the sauce is extra thick.
FAQs
Can I make Alfredo Tortellini Bake vegetarian?
Absolutely—just skip the chicken or replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even a few roasted veggies. You won’t miss a thing!
What kind of tortellini works best?
Refrigerated cheese tortellini has just the right texture for baking, but you can use frozen if that’s what you have. Just cook them according to the package before using in the bake.
Can I substitute the Alfredo sauce?
If you like, try a homemade Alfredo for a touch of luxury. You can also use a light Alfredo for a slightly less rich casserole, or experiment with a jar of creamy pesto sauce for something new.
Is Alfredo Tortellini Bake good for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for meal prep! Assemble the entire casserole a day in advance and chill until ready to bake. It’s also perfect for freezing, so you have a homemade dinner ready to go whenever you need it.
What can I add for extra veggies?
Fold in a handful of fresh baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even steamed broccoli right before baking for extra color and flavor. These veggies blend right into the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner, Alfredo Tortellini Bake delivers every single time. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—simple to make, and even better to share. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a regular favorite at your table!
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Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Alfredo Tortellini Bake is a comforting and creamy pasta casserole that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Filled with cheese tortellini, a rich Alfredo sauce, and a blend of cheeses, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Tortellini:
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce:
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook tortellini: Cook tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2–3 minutes, until they float. Drain well.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine Alfredo sauce, ricotta, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and chicken (if using).
- Season and assemble: Season with salt and pepper. Fold in tortellini. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake: Top with remaining mozzarella. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
- Substitute chicken with Italian sausage or leave it out for a vegetarian option.
- This dish can be frozen before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
