Description
This creamy and cheesy Alfredo Tortellini Bake is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender cheese tortellini smothered in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, then topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block of Philly), softened
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
- Salt & pepper to taste
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before starting the recipe or microwave it for 20-30 seconds until very soft to ensure easy melting into the sauce.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third of the oven to prepare for baking and broiling later.
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini for one minute less than the package directions indicate. Drain the tortellini and transfer it to a 9×13 inch casserole dish evenly spreading it out.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Continuously stir or whisk the mixture for 4-5 minutes until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Avoid letting it get too thick as it will continue to thicken in the oven; if necessary, add a splash of cream to adjust the consistency.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Stir half of the freshly grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, then remove the skillet from heat. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Pour the Alfredo sauce over the cooked tortellini in the casserole dish. Toss gently to coat the tortellini evenly and then spread it out in an even layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini, then cover with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted. Then, broil for a few minutes—watching carefully—to brown and bubble the cheese topping.
Notes
- Serves 6 or a very generous 4 depending on portion size and accompanying dishes.
- Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient brands and quantities.
- For a creamier sauce, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream.
- Do not overcook the tortellini during boiling to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Watch closely during broiling to prevent burning the cheese topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 110mg