Cheesy Spinach and Tortellini Bake
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Cheesy Spinach and Tortellini Bake, a comforting casserole that's perfect for any occasion. With layers of tender three-cheese tortellini, savory creamed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and a blend of melted cheeses, this dish comes together effortlessly. Each bite is enriched with fresh flavors, featuring roasted tomatoes on top for an added burst of taste. For a complete meal, serve with garlic breadsticks and a crisp Caesar salad. This revamped recipe promises a delightful experience for your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
186
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh three cheese tortellini
18 ounces (prepared according to package directions, kept hot)
Stouffer creamed spinach
27 ounces (defrosted according to package directions)
shredded mozzarella or jalapeno jack cheese
6 ounces (shredded)
fresh sliced white mushrooms
24 ounces (sautéed)
chopped garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
fresh black pepper
3 twists (to taste)
plum tomatoes
10-12 (seeded and chopped, 2 cups reserved for topping)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot cooked tortellini, defrosted creamed spinach, shredded cheese, sautéed mushrooms, chopped garlic, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4
Transfer the combined mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Chop 10-12 plum tomatoes, reserving half for topping. Sprinkle the reserved tomatoes over the casserole mixture.
6
Finally, finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavors.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has turned a lovely golden brown. For an extra crispy topping, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
9.3g
Fat
18g
Carbs
7.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Spinach and Tortellini Bake?
It is a comforting casserole featuring layers of three-cheese tortellini, creamed spinach, mushrooms, and melted cheeses topped with roasted tomatoes.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 186 calories per serving.
What type of tortellini should I use?
The recipe calls for 18 ounces of fresh three-cheese tortellini.
Can I use frozen creamed spinach?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 27 ounces of creamed spinach, defrosted according to package directions.
What oven temperature is needed?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does it take to bake?
The casserole should bake for 20 to 25 minutes until it is bubbly and golden brown.
What kind of cheese is best for the filling?
You can use 6 ounces of shredded mozzarella or jalapeño jack cheese.
Can I use jalapeño jack cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes, jalapeño jack is a suggested alternative if you want a bit of spice.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You will need 10-12 plum tomatoes.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be seeded and chopped, with 2 cups reserved for the topping.
Should the tortellini be cooked before baking?
Yes, the tortellini should be prepared according to package directions and kept hot before mixing.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While the original recipe is vegetarian, you could add cooked chicken or sausage if desired.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this?
This bake pairs well with garlic breadsticks and a crisp Caesar salad.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 9.3g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are per serving?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 7.3g of protein.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
The 24 ounces of fresh sliced white mushrooms should be sautéed before being added to the mix.
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes, while white mushrooms are suggested, cremini or button mushrooms would also work well.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced, chopped garlic.
What is the purpose of the parmesan cheese?
The 1/2 cup of grated parmesan is used as a topping to enhance the final flavors and texture.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Can I broil the casserole?
Yes, for an extra crispy topping, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
How many ounces of creamed spinach are needed?
You will need 27 ounces of Stouffer creamed spinach.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, this dish is categorized as a creamy and indulgent comfort food.
What size is the tortellini package?
The recipe uses an 18-ounce package of fresh three-cheese tortellini.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Can I use fresh pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests 3 twists of freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
What is the texture of this bake?
The texture is creamy and indulgent with tender pasta, sautéed mushrooms, and a bubbly cheese crust.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, with an active bake time of only 20-25 minutes and easy mixing steps, it is considered a quick meal option.