Description
This Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake is a creamy, comforting Italian-American main course featuring tender cheese tortellini smothered in a rich Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, and cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection with a golden mozzarella topping. Perfect for a family dinner, this vegetarian pasta casserole is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the dish.
- Cook Tortellini: Prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package directions, then drain and set aside so they’re ready to be combined with the sauce.
- Make Roux: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant to infuse the butter with garlic flavors.
- Add Flour: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. This creamy base is key to the Alfredo sauce.
- Season Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to season the sauce perfectly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until melted and smooth, creating a luscious cheesy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and gently stir to coat each piece evenly with the Alfredo sauce.
- Prepare to Bake: Transfer the sauced tortellini to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the bake sit for 5 minutes before serving to settle. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra protein and veggies, add cooked chicken, spinach, or steamed broccoli to the dish before baking.
- Using pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese provides the best melt and flavor.
