Description
This Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake is a rich and comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender cheese tortellini enveloped in a creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, garlic, Parmesan, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Baked until bubbly and golden, it makes for an easy weeknight main course that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook tortellini: Boil the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to package directions but reduce the cook time by 1 minute to ensure they remain firm. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Alfredo sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for an additional minute to form a roux.
- Add dairy: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth mixture.
- Incorporate cheeses and seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan, softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce, stirring well to ensure each piece is fully coated with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the tortellini and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra protein or vegetables, add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or steamed broccoli to the bake before baking.
- If the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick upon cooling before baking, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
