Creamy Cheesy Tortellini Bake
Indulge in a delightful twist on baked pasta with this creamy cheesy tortellini bake, inspired by Giada De Laurentiis. This wholesome dish blends al dente cheese tortellini with a rich marinara sauce, laced with mascarpone cheese and fresh herbs, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Topped with gooey mozzarella and nutty parmesan, it's baked to perfection until bubbling and golden. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish will surely impress your guests and satisfy everyone at the table. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal that will leave you craving more!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
marinara sauce
2 cups (none)
mascarpone cheese
1/3 cup (none)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
fresh thyme
2 teaspoons (chopped)
cheese tortellini
1 lb (cooked)
mozzarella cheese
2 ounces (thinly sliced)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, mascarpone cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped thyme until well combined and creamy.
4
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
5
Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
6
Pour the tortellini and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7
Evenly layer the thinly sliced mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top of the tortellini.
8
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheeses are melted and golden.
9
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Tortellini Bake?
It is a wholesome baked pasta dish featuring cheese tortellini, marinara sauce, mascarpone, and fresh herbs, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the tortellini bake in the oven?
The dish should bake for approximately 30 minutes.
What kind of tortellini is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of cheese tortellini.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley and thyme are recommended for flavor, dried herbs can be used in smaller quantities if fresh are unavailable.
What is the purpose of mascarpone cheese in this recipe?
Mascarpone cheese is whisked into the marinara sauce to create a rich, creamy consistency and a deeper flavor profile.
How long should I boil the tortellini?
Boil the tortellini for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender before adding them to the sauce.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8 x 8-inch baking dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
Should the baking dish be covered during cooking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly as they include pasta, cheese, herbs, and marinara sauce.
What cheeses are used for the topping?
The topping consists of a layer of thinly sliced mozzarella and a 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Can I substitute mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone is unavailable, you can substitute it with cream cheese or a heavy cream reduction.
What type of sauce is the base for this dish?
The base is made from 2 cups of marinara sauce mixed with mascarpone and herbs.
How do I ensure the tortellini is well-coated?
Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce mixture in a large bowl before transferring to the baking dish.
What is a good side dish for this meal?
A side salad is a perfect accompaniment for a complete meal.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the cooking style of Giada De Laurentiis.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is done when the sauce is bubbling and the cheeses on top are melted and golden.
What category of cuisine does this belong to?
This dish is categorized as European, specifically within Italian-style comfort food.
Can I use frozen tortellini for this bake?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini, but ensure they are boiled according to package instructions before baking.
What herbs are specifically called for?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total: olive oil, marinara, mascarpone, parsley, thyme, tortellini, mozzarella, and parmesan.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish has a creamy and gooey texture with al dente pasta and a golden cheese crust.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it in the fridge before baking, though you may need to increase the bake time slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and is a great comfort food option for all ages.
Can I add protein like chicken or sausage?
While the recipe is vegetarian, you can easily add cooked chicken or Italian sausage to the sauce mixture.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How do I reheat the tortellini bake?
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees or in the microwave until the cheese is melted and the center is hot.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions and minimal prep.