Description
This Irresistible Creamy Tortellini Recipe is a comforting, family-friendly pasta bake packed with cheese tortellini, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese on top. Quick to assemble and endlessly versatile, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.
Ingredients
1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 ½ cups milk ½ cup heavy cream ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups fresh spinach (optional) ½ cup cooked shrimp (optional for variation) Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside. 2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Remove sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach if using. 4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine tortellini and sauce, then pour into dish. Top with remaining mozzarella. 5. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
• Slightly undercook tortellini before baking to avoid mushy pasta. • For a creamy tomato version, replace 1 cup of milk with tomato sauce. • Add cooked shrimp, sausage, or roasted vegetables for variations. • Assemble ahead and bake just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: creamy tortellini recipe, baked tortellini, cheese tortellini recipes, creamy pasta bake, easy family recipes