Are you looking for an easy, cheesy, and satisfying weeknight dinner that will quickly become a family favorite? Look no further than this Million Dollar Baked Tortellini! Bursting with creamy cheese, savory marinara sauce, and tender pasta, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this baked tortellini recipe is sure to win everyone over.
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Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Baked Tortellini
This Million Dollar Baked Tortellini recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The pasta is smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. With only 10 minutes of prep, this recipe is the epitome of ease and indulgence. It’s also a great option for feeding a crowd, making it both family-friendly and versatile.
Ingredients For Million Dollar Baked Tortellini
- Tortellini: This chewy pasta provides the base for the dish, offering a satisfying bite. Choose your favorite variety, whether cheese-filled or with a meat option for added richness.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy, smooth texture to the sauce, giving it a velvety finish.
- Shredded Mozzarella: The melty mozzarella brings that perfect stretch and gooey consistency, making each bite delightful.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: The tangy, tomato-based sauce enhances the flavor profile with a zesty contrast to the richness of the cheese.
- Ground Beef (optional): Adds a meaty element, making this dish heartier and more filling.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a savory aroma and deepens the flavor of the sauce.
- Herbs and Spices (oregano, basil, salt, pepper): To round out the flavor profile, providing that perfect Italian seasoning mix.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• For a vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a hearty, meat-free option.
• For a gluten-free version: Swap in gluten-free tortellini, and make sure your marinara sauce is free of gluten.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (if using) over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and combine with the sauce mixture.
- Pour the tortellini and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips & Tricks
• Avoid overcooking the tortellini: Make sure to cook it just until al dente, as it will cook further in the oven.
• Texture tweaks: If you prefer a firmer texture, bake for a shorter time, or broil for a few minutes to get a crispy top.
• Leftover storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish also reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.
• Cheese options: For a different flavor twist, you can add provolone or gouda cheese alongside the mozzarella.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Million Dollar Baked Tortellini is already a complete meal, but it can be paired with various sides and variations to suit your preferences.
• Side Dishes: Serve alongside a crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. You can also pair it with garlic bread or creamy onion garlic bread.
• Toppings: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
• Variations: For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in diced jalapeños.
Health Benefits & Customization Options
While Million Dollar Baked Tortellini is indulgent and cheesy, there are several ways to lighten it up without compromising on flavor.
• Low-fat cheese: Swap regular mozzarella and cream cheese for their low-fat versions.
• Add vegetables: Load the dish with extra veggies, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, to boost its nutritional value.
• Gluten-free option: As mentioned, swap in gluten-free tortellini for those with dietary restrictions.
This recipe is ideal for those craving comfort food with a twist, combining the deliciously rich flavors of cheese and pasta in a way that will satisfy all appetites.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Baked Tortellini is an absolute winner for anyone craving a quick, hearty, and indulgent meal. The combination of tender tortellini, creamy cheese, and savory marinara sauce, all baked to perfection, makes it the ultimate comfort food. With minimal prep time and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit every time. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s called “million dollar” — it’s truly a dish worth savoring!
FAQ About Million Dollar Baked Tortellini
Can I use frozen tortellini for Million Dollar Baked Tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini for this recipe. Just cook the frozen tortellini according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce mixture. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand.
How can I make Million Dollar Baked Tortellini spicier?
To add some heat to your Million Dollar Baked Tortellini, try incorporating red pepper flakes into the sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an extra kick.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Million Dollar Baked Tortellini ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
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Million Dollar Baked Tortellini
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Baked Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food, packed with cheesy goodness and savory marinara sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, offering a rich and creamy texture with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Tortellini: Use cheese-filled or meat-filled tortellini for a rich and satisfying base.
- 8 oz Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy texture to the sauce.
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella: Melty and gooey, it gives the dish that perfect cheesy stretch.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses.
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce: A tangy tomato sauce that balances the richness of the cheese.
- 1/2 lb Ground Beef (optional): Adds a meaty, hearty element to the dish.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced: Enhances the flavor with a savory aroma.
- 1 tsp Oregano: Seasoning that brings depth to the sauce.
- 1 tsp Basil: Adds an aromatic, herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: For seasoning the sauce and adjusting flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ground beef (if using) in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and combine with the sauce mixture.
- Transfer the tortellini and sauce into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the tortellini; cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the dish for a few minutes after baking.
- This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
