If you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, you are going to adore this Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe. It combines tender cheese tortellini drenched in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance, making it an ideal meal for weeknights or entertaining guests. The fresh spinach adds a lovely pop of green and nutrients, but it’s completely optional for a pure cheesy indulgence. Once you try this Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe, trust me, it will become a new favorite to keep on rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients are the stars of the show and each one plays a key role in creating that luscious flavor and creamy texture you crave in an Alfredo bake.
- Cheese tortellini (20 oz): The tender, cheesy pasta pockets provide a satisfying base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Helps create the roux that thickens the Alfredo sauce and adds a silky richness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic, savory punch.
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Works with the butter to thicken the sauce perfectly without lumps.
- Milk (1 ¾ cups): Adds creaminess and balances the richness of the heavy cream.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce that silky, indulgent texture everyone loves in Alfredo.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Delivers sharp, nutty flavor that’s essential to authentic Alfredo taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Half melts into the sauce and half tops the bake for a golden crust.
- Italian seasoning (½ tsp): A fragrant herb blend that lifts the dish with subtle notes of oregano and basil.
- Salt (¼ tsp) and black pepper (¼ tsp): Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups, optional): Adds vibrant color and a mild, fresh taste while boosting nutrition.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A bright garnish that makes the dish look as fresh as it tastes.
How to Make Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tortellini
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions but reduce the boiling time by 1 to 2 minutes. This step keeps the tortellini firm so they don’t get mushy in the oven. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside while you make the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for just one minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown or it will turn bitter. Whisk in the flour and continue cooking for another minute to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Stir often and cook until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. It’s important to be patient here to get that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 3: Add Cheeses and Seasonings
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese along with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and dreamy. This homemade sauce will truly set your Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe apart by offering freshness and flavor depth that jarred sauces simply can’t match.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Gently fold the cooked tortellini and optional fresh spinach into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is beautifully coated. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top to create that irresistible golden crust when baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it and take it out once it’s bubbly all over and the cheese topping is delightfully golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly for the best bite.
How to Serve Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of color and brightness that balances the richness of the bake while making it extra inviting at the table. You could also finish with a little grated Parmesan or a pinch of black pepper for that final flourish.
Side Dishes
This Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the creamy pasta. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also complement the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this bake in individual ramekins to provide perfect personal portions with a crispy top every time. You could also create a colorful platter by placing the bake alongside bowls of olives, cherry tomatoes, and crusty bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this bake before or after cooking. If freezing uncooked, wrap the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture and bubbly top. You can also microwave individual servings, but keep the heat moderate and cover loosely to avoid drying out the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini works just fine. Just make sure to cook them according to the package directions, adjusting cooking time if necessary to keep them al dente before baking.
Is it possible to add protein to this bake?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken breast, crispy bacon, or even Italian sausage make fantastic additions. Simply stir them into the sauce before baking to create a heartier meal.
Can I substitute the fresh spinach with something else?
If you’re not a fan of spinach, kale or arugula can be great alternatives. Just be sure to chop them finely and add them in at the same step so they wilt nicely into the sauce.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe, look for dairy-free tortellini and use plant-based milk and cream substitutes. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan, and vegan cheese can substitute mozzarella, though the texture will differ slightly.
Is it okay to use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, for a shortcut you can swap in your favorite store-bought Alfredo sauce, but making the sauce from scratch really elevates the dish and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Final Thoughts
This Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe is pure comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, but easy enough to whip up on any busy day. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser that you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Alfredo Tortellini Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Alfredo Tortellini Bake is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish perfect for a comforting meal. Featuring tender cheese tortellini smothered in a homemade Alfredo sauce with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, this baked pasta casserole is enhanced with optional fresh spinach and topped with a golden mozzarella crust. It’s an easy-to-make Italian-American main course that satisfies both vegetarians and pasta lovers alike.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Tortellini: Cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1–2 minutes to keep the pasta firm. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce – Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- Form Roux with Flour: Whisk in the all-purpose flour with the butter and garlic, cooking for 1 minute more to create a roux base for the sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and free of lumps.
- Thicken Sauce: Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Tortellini and Spinach: Remove the sauce from heat. Add the cooked tortellini and fresh spinach (if using) to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the tortellini and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken or crispy bacon before baking.
- You can substitute with store-bought Alfredo sauce for a quicker version, but homemade sauce offers a richer, fresher flavor.
- Reducing the tortellini cooking time ensures they remain firm and do not become mushy during baking.
- Fresh spinach adds a nutritious green element but can be omitted if preferred.
