This baked five cheese tortellini is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the richness of five different cheeses with tender pasta. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Overview of Baked Five Cheese Tortellini
This dish brings together the delightful flavors of five different cheeses, enveloping tender tortellini in a rich marinara sauce.
It’s a comforting choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends, offering a warm and inviting experience that everyone will enjoy.
With its golden, melted cheese crust, this baked tortellini is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The combination of cheeses in this recipe is what sets it apart.
Ricotta, mozzarella, gouda, fontina, and parmesan each contribute their unique textures and flavors, creating a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the pasta.
Using fresh or frozen cheese tortellini allows for flexibility, making this dish accessible for any cook.
The addition of Italian seasoning enhances the overall taste, while fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness when garnishing.
Preparation Steps to Follow
Preparing this baked tortellini is straightforward and can be done in about 45 minutes.
Start by cooking the tortellini until al dente, ensuring it retains a slight bite.
While the pasta cooks, mix the cheeses with seasonings to create a creamy filling.
Layering the ingredients is key: begin with marinara sauce, followed by tortellini, and then the cheese mixture.
Repeat these layers to build a hearty dish that will bake beautifully in the oven.
Baking to Perfection
Baking the tortellini requires a two-step process.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil initially to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to heat through.
Then, removing the foil for the final minutes creates that coveted golden crust on top.
Keep a close watch during this last stage to ensure the cheese doesn’t over-brown, achieving the perfect bubbly finish.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the dish cool slightly before serving.
This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
Garnishing with fresh basil not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of flavor that complements the richness of the cheese.
Pair this dish with a simple side salad for a balanced meal, and enjoy the comforting warmth it brings to the table.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This recipe serves six people, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings.
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, with a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying choice.
With 25 grams of fat, it’s a rich dish, so pairing it with lighter sides can help create a well-rounded meal.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini Recipe
This dish features cheese-filled tortellini baked in a creamy sauce and topped with a golden layer of melted cheese. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 cup fontina cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, gouda cheese, fontina cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked tortellini over the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining marinara sauce, tortellini, and cheese mixture.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g