Oh my goodness, have you ever tried a *million dollar baked tortellini casserole*? It’s like a warm hug in a dish! I remember the first time I made it for a cozy family dinner. The aroma of bubbling cheese mixed with rich marinara sauce filled the kitchen, and I just knew it was going to be a hit. This casserole is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or when you have unexpected guests. Plus, it’s packed with cheesy goodness and flavor, which is what we all crave, right? Trust me, once you serve this delightful dish, everyone will be asking for seconds and the recipe! So let’s dive into how to create this delicious masterpiece!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound cheese tortellini: I love using fresh or frozen tortellini—both work beautifully! Choose your favorite cheese-filled variety for that extra creamy texture.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade marinara, whatever you have on hand. The sauce is the flavor base, so go for something you love!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This adds a delightful creaminess to the dish and contrasts nicely with the marinara. You can even mix in some herbs for extra flavor!
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooier, the better! I can’t resist a generous layer on top that gets bubbly and golden.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds that salty, nutty flavor that makes everything taste gourmet. Don’t skip it!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A must for that classic Italian flavor. You can adjust this based on your taste—add more if you love those herbs!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your preference. A little sprinkle goes a long way in enhancing flavors!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A drizzle before baking helps crisp up that cheesy top and adds a lovely richness!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key to getting that perfect golden, bubbly top!
- While your oven is warming up, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain them well when they’re done—nobody likes a soggy casserole!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce and ricotta cheese. Add in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and well-blended.
- Now, it’s time to add that delicious tortellini! Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce mixture, making sure every piece is coated.
- Transfer this cheesy goodness into a greased baking dish. Don’t forget to top it off with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese—this is where the magic happens!
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top to help it crisp up beautifully while baking.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This waiting time will help everything set perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This *million dollar baked tortellini casserole* comes together in no time, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor Packed: With layers of gooey cheese and rich marinara, every bite is a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins, making it fit any dietary needs.
- Make Ahead: It’s a great dish to prepare in advance and bake when you’re ready, ideal for gatherings or potlucks.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *million dollar baked tortellini casserole* turns out perfectly, here are my go-to tips! First, don’t overcook the tortellini; they should be al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Also, make sure to grease your baking dish well—nobody wants a stuck casserole! If you love a bit of crunch, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye to avoid burning. Lastly, let it rest for that 5-minute cooling period; it helps everything meld together beautifully. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
When it comes to the *million dollar baked tortellini casserole*, there’s plenty of room for creativity! If you can’t find cheese tortellini, any other type of tortellini works well, or you could even use ravioli for a fun twist! For the marinara sauce, feel free to use a homemade version or a store-bought one that you love—there’s no wrong choice here! If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can substitute part-skim ricotta cheese instead of the full-fat version. And for those who want to add some veggies, spinach or bell peppers are fantastic options—just sauté them first to prevent excess moisture. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to suit your taste!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover *million dollar baked tortellini casserole* can be a lifesaver for busy days! To store, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I love to make a big batch so I can enjoy it later in the week!
When you’re ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If the casserole is in a baking dish, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out, and warm it for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions! Just pop it in for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s nice and hot. Trust me, it tastes just as delicious the next day!
Nutritional Information Section
When you’re digging into this delicious *million dollar baked tortellini casserole*, here’s what you can expect nutritionally per serving (about 1 cup). Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 20g
This casserole is a hearty meal packed with flavor, making it a satisfying choice for any occasion!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love cheese tortellini, you can swap it for any pasta you prefer, like penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the *million dollar baked tortellini casserole* in advance! Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake it when you’re ready!
What if I want to add protein?
Great question! You can easily add cooked chicken, sausage, or even ground turkey for extra protein. Just mix it in with the sauce before adding the tortellini.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and storing it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes covered with foil. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving the *million dollar baked tortellini casserole*, I love pairing it with a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness. A simple arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette does the trick beautifully! You could also serve it with some garlic bread for that ultimate comfort food experience—who doesn’t love a good piece of buttery bread to soak up that delicious marinara sauce?
If you want to elevate your meal even more, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables. They bring a lovely color and flavor that complements the casserole perfectly. Trust me, these pairings will take your dinner to the next level!
Drucken
Million Dollar Baked Tortellini Casserole: 7 Delicious Secrets
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A hearty and delicious baked tortellini casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Zutaten
- 1 pound cheese tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Anweisungen
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain.
- In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked tortellini and stir until well coated.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- This dish can be made ahead and frozen.
- Use any marinara sauce you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 450
- Zucker: 6g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 50g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: million dollar baked tortellini casserole
