Description
This creamy pesto tortellini bake is a deliciously cheesy and comforting pasta dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Featuring tender cheese tortellini tossed in a rich, creamy pesto sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and baked until golden and bubbly, this Italian-inspired recipe is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 3 cups cheese tortellini
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto (basil or arugula)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini in salted water until they are just tender, following package instructions, then drain well.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, pesto, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked tortellini with the creamy pesto sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the coated tortellini mixture into a baking dish and evenly spread it out. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Notes
- For extra flavor and nutrition, add fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta before baking.
- You can use either basil pesto or arugula pesto depending on your taste preference.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your liking, especially if your pesto is already salted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Boiling and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
