Description
This creamy Alfredo Tortellini Bake is a comforting and cheesy Italian-inspired casserole that features tender cheese tortellini baked in a rich Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Finished with mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top, it’s baked to bubbly perfection with a golden crust, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Tortellini
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third of the oven for optimal baking.
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook for one minute less than the package’s recommended time, then drain well. Transfer the tortellini to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add Cheese & Season: Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce over the tortellini in the casserole dish. Gently stir to coat all the tortellini evenly with the sauce.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the tortellini and sauce.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Golden Top (Optional): For an extra golden and slightly crispy top, broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy your creamy Alfredo Tortellini Bake!
Notes
- Do not overcook the tortellini before baking to prevent mushiness—cook it just short of the package timing.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
- Feel free to add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase nutrition and flavor.
- The optional broil step gives a lovely golden crust but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
