These recipes with cheese tortellini are fabulous right after a large celebration—you know, to use up all that ham! Or on those nights when you need to eat and run.
My mother made this one night for my picky eaters, and my goodness—was it ever good! I love the creaminess of the ricotta cheese and the addition of ham and peas.
Tortellini can be served with salads or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Baked Tortellini is an easy recipe loaded with cheese, beef, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. It is considered a comforting pasta dish that can easily feed families of various sizes.
Table of Contents
Recipes with Cheese Tortellini
If you don’t want ham, you could use prosciutto or omit it altogether, but we love ham! Alternatively, you can use pasta or spaghetti sauce for a different flavor profile.
Cheesy Tortellini Bake Option
Consider trying this baked version for a delightful twist on the classic cheesy tortellini. First, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook your frozen cheese tortellini according to package directions and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese,
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese,
- 1 cup of marinara sauce,
- and a pinch of dried basil for an aromatic touch.
In a prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked tortellini, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used. Top with additional mozzarella and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This baked tortellini option offers a comforting, cheesy goodness that’s perfect for any pasta lover.
Cheesy Tortellini Ingredients: frozen cheese tortellini:
- 1 – 500g bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Four slices of ham, chopped
- 2/3 cups frozen peas
- 1 cup meat sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- pinch of nutmeg
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
In a large pot of salted boiling water – cook the tortellini for 10 minutes.
Add the ricotta and milk to a blender and blend until smooth.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and ham and cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in peas and 1 cup of tomato sauce.
Add the tortellini, ricotta mixture, pepper, nutmeg, and salt.
Heat through.
When ready to serve, stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Serve.
This cheesy tortellini meal is quick and simple to prepare—it was a hit with my boys!
Give it a try, and let us know what you think! Check out this Orzo dish.
Enjoy!
Options for Recipes with Cheese Tortellini
Gluten-Free Preparation Options:
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
For this gluten-free cheesy tortellini bake, you’ll need gluten-free tortellini, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and ground beef.
Ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
When using frozen tortellini, thaw it according to the package instructions.
For fresh tortellini, cook it as directed on the package before proceeding to the next steps.
Dairy-Free Preparation Options:
Gather your ingredients, including frozen cheese tortellini, marinara sauce, and ground beef, for a dairy-free version of this cheesy tortellini bake.
Opt for dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan cheese alternatives to maintain the cheesy goodness without the dairy.
If you’re using frozen tortellini, thaw it according to the package instructions.
If you’re using fresh tortellini, cook it as directed on the package before proceeding.
Next, chop the ground beef into small pieces.
Heat a pan over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil, and cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
This step ensures that your cheesy tortellini bake will have a rich, savory flavor.
Expert Flavor Tips:
Herb Infusion
Add fresh basil or oregano to the marinara sauce for an aromatic boost.
Spice It Up
Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Roasted Garlic
Roast a few cloves of garlic and mix them into the sauce to enhance the depth of flavor and complement the cheese.
Wine Splash
Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the ground beef to enhance the sauce’s complexity.
Nutty Notes
Toast pine nuts and sprinkle them on top before serving for a nutty crunch that contrasts with the cheesy goodness.
These expert tips can help elevate your cheesy tortellini bake, making it a standout dish that caters to various dietary needs while still delivering flavor.
Cooking Instructions for Cheesy Tortellini Recipe:
Boil Tortellini
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the frozen cheese tortellini for about 10 minutes or until they float to the surface.
Drain and set aside.
Blend Ricotta Mixture
In a blender, combine ricotta cheese and milk.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Sauté Ingredients
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped green onions and ham and cook for 5 minutes, until the onions are soft.
Stir in the frozen peas and 1 cup of tomato sauce, allowing the mixture to warm through.
Combine and Heat
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, followed by the ricotta mixture, pepper, nutmeg, and salt.
Stir well to combine all ingredients and heat through.
Just before serving, stir in grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Serve
Serve the cheesy tortellini hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Instructions for Cheesy Tortellini Bake Recipe:
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Tortellini
Cook the frozen cheese tortellini according to package directions.
Drain and set aside.
Prepare Ricotta Mixture
Mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese,
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese,
1 cup of marinara sauce,
and a pinch of dried basil in a large mixing bowl.
Layer Ingredients
In a prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked tortellini, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
Bake
Top with additional mozzarella and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your baked tortellini with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions for Recipes with Cheese Tortellini:
Serve your baked tortellini hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Pair it with a side of garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
A simple green salad or Caesar salad also makes a great accompaniment, adding a fresh, crunchy contrast to the cheesy tortellini.
For extra flavor, add spicy Italian sausage and ground beef to the skillet.
This addition can elevate the dish and cater to those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Whether you prepare this cheesy tortellini bake for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it will surely be a hit.
Customize it to suit your taste and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal. Try a turkey salad alternative here.
Enjoy!
