If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that melts in your mouth with every bite, this Cheesy Tortellini Bake is exactly what you need. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that turns fresh or frozen tortellini into a bubbling, golden masterpiece loaded with gooey melted cheese and vibrant marinara sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or feeding friends, this Cheesy Tortellini Bake feels like a warm hug on a plate that’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Cheesy Tortellini Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a rich and satisfying dish. Each component plays an important role: the tortellini provides a hearty base, the marinara sauce adds bright, tangy notes, and the generous mozzarella topping delivers the signature cheesy stretch that makes this bake irresistible.

1 package tortellini (1 1/2 lbs), fresh or frozen, any flavor: Fresh works beautifully, but frozen tortellini is a convenient and just-as-tasty option that saves time.
2 cups marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; its acidity balances the richness of the cheese.
2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated melts better and gives that perfect bubbly cheesy top the bake needs.

How to Make Cheesy Tortellini Bake

Step 1: Boil the Tortellini

Start by heating a medium saucepan filled with water over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to season the water, then gently drop in your tortellini. Cook until they float to the surface, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes if fresh, or a bit longer for frozen ones. This step ensures your pasta is tender and ready to soak up all the saucy goodness in the next steps.

Step 2: Drain and Combine

Once your tortellini are perfectly cooked, drain them in a colander and allow any excess water to drip away for a minute or two. Then, toss the pasta with the vibrant marinara sauce inside your baking dish—either an 8×8 or 11×7 pan works wonderfully. This melding of flavors preps the dish for that irresistible bake ahead.

Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Bake

Generously sprinkle the freshly grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced tortellini. The cheese will melt into a luscious blanket of flavor. Slide the dish into the oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until you see the cheese bubbling happily on top.

Step 4: Broil to Perfection

For that golden, slightly crisp finish, switch your oven to broil and let the Cheesy Tortellini Bake brown for 5 to 6 minutes. Keep a close eye during this step to avoid burning but allow the cheese to develop a visually stunning and deliciously tasty crust.

How to Serve Cheesy Tortellini Bake

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can add a savory sharpness that pairs perfectly with the creamy mozzarella.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve alongside garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce and cheese. Roasted vegetables also add a nice contrast in texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Cheesy Tortellini Bake family-style straight from the baking dish for a casual, cozy vibe. For a dinner party, portion it onto individual plates and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers to elevate the presentation and impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Cheesy Tortellini Bake, wrap the leftovers tightly or transfer them to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. They’ll keep delicious for up to 3 days, making for perfect next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Let the bake cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s a great way to prep meals ahead of time on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the frozen bake in the refrigerator overnight if possible. Warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and bubbly again. This helps maintain the texture and keeps the cheese perfectly melty, almost like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini, or does it have to be fresh?

You can absolutely use frozen tortellini! Just be sure to cook it a bit longer until it floats to the surface. Both fresh and frozen will yield a delicious Cheesy Tortellini Bake.

What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?

Feel free to try provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different twist. Just keep mozzarella at the core for that essential gooey texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Choose a cheese and marinara sauce without meat or add your favorite veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost the flavor and nutrition without compromising the cheesy goodness.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Definitely. Use gluten-free tortellini, which are widely available now, and make sure your marinara sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free to enjoy this bake safely.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce, sprinkle some chili powder on top, or include sliced spicy sausage for an exciting kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the Cheesy Tortellini Bake that makes it worth turning to again and again. With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, it’s an incredibly satisfying comfort food that will brighten any mealtime. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself and share it with those you love!

Cheesy Tortellini Bake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and easy Cheesy Tortellini Bake featuring tender tortellini pasta baked in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining cheesy goodness with simple preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 package tortellini (1 1/2 lbs), fresh or frozen, any flavor

Sauce and Cheese

2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Boil Pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill a medium saucepan with water, bring it to a boil over high heat, add a pinch of salt, then add the tortellini. Cook until the tortellini floats to the surface, about 6-8 minutes for fresh or thawed tortellini; cook longer if frozen.
Drain the Tortellini: Drain the cooked tortellini using a strainer, and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to ensure all excess water is removed.
Assemble the Bake: In an 8×8-inch or 11×7-inch baking dish, combine the drained tortellini with marinara sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the freshly grated mozzarella evenly on top of the tortellini and sauce. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Broil for Browning: Switch the oven setting to broil and broil the dish for 5-6 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, ideally paired with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

You can use any flavor of tortellini you prefer, including cheese or meat-filled varieties.
Freshly grated mozzarella melts better and provides creamier texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Allowing the tortellini to drain well prevents excess water from making the bake watery.
Broiling at the end provides a nice golden crust; monitor closely to avoid burning.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course, Casserole
Method: Boiling, Baking, Broiling
Cuisine: Italian-American