Description
Creamy Pesto Tortellini Bake with Mozzarella is a rich and comforting Italian main course, featuring cheese-filled tortellini enveloped in a luscious creamy pesto sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking the tortellini dish later.
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Sauce: Add the heavy cream and pesto sauce to the skillet with the garlic, stirring well to combine into a creamy pesto sauce. Season with black pepper.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and stir gently to coat each piece evenly with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the sauced tortellini mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the tortellini.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Notes
- For extra flavor and protein, add cooked chicken pieces to the tortellini before baking.
- Incorporate fresh spinach into the sauce for added nutrition and vibrant color.
- Use fresh pesto or homemade pesto for the best flavor.
- Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
