If you are searching for a soul-satisfying, creamy, and cheesy pasta delight, the Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe is an absolute winner for your dinner table. This dish brings together tender cheese tortellini bathed in a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce, topped with bubbling mozzarella that browns perfectly in the oven. It’s comfort food at its finest—effortless to prepare yet decadent and indulgent with every luscious bite. Whether it’s a weeknight craving or a cozy weekend treat, this bake will quickly become your go-to favorite for a crowd-pleasing Italian-American classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe comes alive through simple, quality ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a key role from the smoothness of the cream to the melty cheese goodness that crowns the dish.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 ounces): The star pasta that holds the creamy sauce beautifully thanks to its soft yet structured filling.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and is essential for creating that silky roux base for the sauce.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Infuses a subtle aromatic warmth that makes every bite aromatic and irresistible.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the Alfredo sauce to perfect luxurious consistency.
- Heavy cream (1 ½ cups): Provides that indulgent, creamy mouthfeel that is signature to an Alfredo sauce.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Lightens the sauce just slightly without losing that creamy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the richness.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): Adds an extra layer of smoothness and tangy depth to the sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): Perfect for melting—half mixed into the sauce and half sprinkled on top for that golden crust.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs to deepen the Italian flavors.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just a hint of spice to balance the creamy richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and herbal brightness to finish.
How to Make Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Par-Cook the Tortellini
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly—this ensures your bake comes out with perfect texture and no sticking. Cook your refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package directions but reduce the cooking time by a minute to keep them firm enough to hold their shape through the baking process.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until shimmering. Toss in your minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—this step is crucial for layering flavor. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to remove any raw taste and create the roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking all the while until silky smooth and starting to thicken.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses and Seasoning
Once your sauce begins to thicken, stir in the grated Parmesan, softened cream cheese, half of your shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce thickens nicely, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce’s velvety texture is what makes the Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe simply unbeatable.
Step 4: Combine Tortellini and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce, making sure each piece is coated completely in that rich, cheesy mixture. This ensures every bite will be wonderfully creamy.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Transfer the cheesy tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish and top it with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes until the cheese on top is beautifully bubbly and starting to turn a light golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes so the flavors settle, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for that inviting final flourish.
How to Serve Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish, lending a pop of green color and a hint of brightness that contrasts perfectly with the rich, cheesy sauce. For a little extra flair, a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a touch of sophistication and personalized heat.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs fantastically with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette also complement the dish perfectly, giving you something to soak up every last bit of that luscious Alfredo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe straight from the baking dish to keep it warm and inviting, or portion it into individual ramekins for an elegant single-serve presentation. For added fun, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or crispy prosciutto bits on top to introduce extra texture and flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld beautifully, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Just wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce and avoid dryness.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the whole dish back in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through (about 20 minutes). If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a splash of milk before reheating to bring back that silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well too. Just cook according to package directions, and adjust the baking time slightly if needed since frozen pasta can release extra moisture.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or reduce the cheese quantities slightly, but keep in mind it might affect the creamy richness that makes this bake so irresistible.
Can I add proteins or vegetables?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or steamed broccoli blend perfectly to add extra nutrition and texture to the Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe without overwhelming the flavors.
What type of mozzarella is best for this dish?
Whole milk mozzarella offers the best melt and stretch for this bake, but part-skim can be used to reduce fat content if preferred.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
If the sauce feels too thick before baking, simply whisk in a little extra milk to loosen it up. This keeps the coating smooth and ensures the bake is perfectly creamy.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something magical about cozying up with the Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe that brings comfort and warmth to any mealtime. It’s a simple yet impressive dish bursting with flavor and silky cheese goodness that everyone will rave about. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy cheesy pasta perfection.
Print
Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake featuring tender refrigerated cheese tortellini smothered in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce with Parmesan, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this Italian-American main course is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Alfredo 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. 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 cooking time by 1 minute to keep them firm. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Cream and Milk: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until all cheeses melt and sauce thickens.
- Combine Tortellini with Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini into the Alfredo sauce, stirring well to coat each piece evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the sauced tortellini to the prepped baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is lightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For added protein or vegetables, mix in cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or steamed broccoli before baking.
- If the Alfredo sauce thickens too much as it cools before baking, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and melt compared to pre-grated.
- Make sure not to overcook the tortellini initially to avoid mushy texture after baking.
