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Million Dollar Cheese Tortellini

A creamy and cheesy tortellini casserole that's perfect for family dinners and potlucks, offering a delightful twist on traditional pasta bakes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup spinach (optional) can be added for extra nutrition
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well blended.
  4. In a separate large bowl, mix the cooked tortellini with marinara sauce. If you're adding spinach, fold it into the mixture now.
  5. Spread half of the tortellini mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon the cheese filling over the first layer of tortellini, and then top it with the remaining tortellini mixture.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.
Baking
  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  2. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

To make this dish even simpler, consider preparing it ahead of time. Assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. You can also experiment with the ingredients; add cooked chicken, sausage, or vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variety.