Description
A creamy and cheesy Alfredo Tortellini Bake featuring tender cheese tortellini smothered in a rich cream cheese and Parmesan Alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a hearty gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block), softened
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before starting or microwave it for 20-30 seconds to soften thoroughly, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the tortellini: Boil water in a large pot. Add refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook for one minute less than the package instructions indicate. Drain and transfer the tortellini to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Whisk continuously for 4-5 minutes until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more cream to loosen it.
- Add Parmesan and seasoning: Stir half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine sauce and tortellini: Pour the Alfredo sauce over the cooked tortellini in the casserole dish. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly, then spread it out evenly in the dish.
- Add cheese toppings: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the sauced tortellini.
- Bake and broil: Bake the casserole uncovered for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Then, broil for a few minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Notes
- Serves 6 generously or 4 very hungry portions, depending on what else is served alongside.
- Nutritional information is estimated and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
- For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and milk instead of heavy cream.
- Watch the broiling step closely to prevent burning the cheese topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
