Creamy Broccoli Cheese Tortellini Bake
Indulge in the comforting deliciousness of our Creamy Broccoli Cheese Tortellini Bake. This hearty one-dish meal combines soft cheese tortellini with a creamy Alfredo sauce and vibrant broccoli. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this casserole is not only easy to make but also packs in flavor with seasoned breadcrumbs for a lovely crispy topping. Serve it warm and watch it disappear from the table! Ideal for gatherings, this recipe serves eight and provides a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Alfredo sauce
20 ounces (refrigerated, store-bought)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
Cheese tortellini
20 ounces (refrigerated, uncooked)
Frozen chopped broccoli
10 ounces (thawed and drained)
Garlic and herb-seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (store-bought)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (extra virgin)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce with 2 cups of water and the ground black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
3
Spread 1 cup of the sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
4
Arrange half of the uncooked cheese tortellini in a single layer over the sauce in the casserole dish.
5
Sprinkle the thawed and drained broccoli evenly over the tortellini layer.
6
Pour 1 1/2 cups of the sauce mixture over the broccoli layer, ensuring it's well distributed.
7
Layer the remaining tortellini on top, followed by the rest of the sauce mixture.
8
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
10
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and turn on the broiler.
11
In a small bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with olive oil, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated.
12
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously on top of the casserole.
13
Place the casserole under the broiler, about 4 inches from the heat source, for 1 to 2 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
14
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Broccoli Cheese Tortellini Bake?
It is a hearty one-dish meal that combines cheese tortellini with a creamy Alfredo sauce and broccoli, topped with crispy seasoned breadcrumbs.
What kind of tortellini should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of refrigerated, uncooked cheese tortellini.
Do I need to boil the tortellini before baking?
No, the tortellini is added to the casserole dish uncooked and will cook in the sauce during the baking process.
What are the main ingredients in the sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of refrigerated Alfredo sauce, water, and ground black pepper.
How much Alfredo sauce is required?
You will need 20 ounces of store-bought, refrigerated Alfredo sauce.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this dish?
Yes, use 10 ounces of frozen chopped broccoli, ensuring it is thawed and drained first.
Why do I need to add water to the Alfredo sauce?
Water provides the necessary moisture for the uncooked tortellini to hydrate and cook properly while in the oven.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 2 1/2-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How do I layer the ingredients in the dish?
Layer starting with sauce, then half the tortellini, followed by broccoli, more sauce, the remaining tortellini, and finally the rest of the sauce.
How long does the tortellini bake in the oven?
The casserole should bake tightly covered with foil for 45 minutes.
How is the crispy topping made?
The topping is made by mixing garlic and herb-seasoned breadcrumbs with extra virgin olive oil.
When do I add the breadcrumb topping?
Add the breadcrumb mixture after the initial 45-minute bake, just before broiling.
How long should I broil the casserole?
Broil the dish for 1 to 2 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
What is the recommended distance from the broiler?
The dish should be placed about 4 inches from the heat source when broiling.
Why must the casserole stand for 10 minutes after baking?
Allowing the dish to stand helps it set, making it easier to serve and ensuring the flavors meld.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve eight people.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?
Garlic and herb-seasoned breadcrumbs are recommended for extra flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent option for meal prep as it holds up well and provides multiple servings.
What kind of olive oil is used?
The recipe suggests using one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I add extra pepper to the sauce?
Yes, while the recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper, you can adjust it to your taste.
Is it necessary to cover the dish with aluminum foil?
Yes, covering the dish tightly with foil is essential to trap steam and cook the pasta.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead?
Yes, though you may want to lightly steam fresh broccoli first to ensure it is tender after the 45-minute bake.
What should I do if my breadcrumbs are browning too fast?
Monitor the dish closely during the broiling stage as it only takes 1 to 2 minutes for the crumbs to brown.
Can I substitute the cheese tortellini with another flavor?
Yes, you can use spinach or meat-filled tortellini, though cheese is traditional for this bake.
How much water should be mixed with the sauce?
You should mix exactly 2 cups of water with the Alfredo sauce.
Should the broccoli be chopped?
Yes, the recipe specifies using chopped broccoli for even distribution.
Is this a good dish for family dinners?
Absolutely, its comforting nature and easy preparation make it a family favorite.
Does the recipe require any salt?
The recipe relies on the seasoning in the Alfredo sauce and breadcrumbs, but you can add salt if desired.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish features soft, creamy pasta and broccoli contrasted with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping.