Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely. Just cook as directed on the package—no need to thaw beforehand. Frozen tortellini works well and is handy to keep on hand for last-minute meals.

Can I assemble this dish in advance?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5 extra minutes to the bake time since it will be starting cold.

What’s the best way to add more veggies?

Mix in chopped, sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers when tossing everything together. They add heartiness and balance out the rich cheese and sauce.

Which store-bought marinara sauce do you recommend?

Choose one that lists tomatoes as the first ingredient and has a clean, simple ingredients list. Rao’s, Victoria, or your local favorite all work beautifully.

Baked Tortellini Recipe

Name: Baked Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 (16 to 20 ounce) package cheese tortellini (or any variety); 2 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach; 1/4 cup roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano); 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup shredded mozzarella (fresh, packaged, or smoked; divided); 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (divided)

Description

This easy Baked Tortellini is a cheesy, comforting main-course dish featuring tender tortellini, marinara sauce, fresh spinach, and herbs, all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. A perfect baked pasta casserole that comes together quickly for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta & Vegetables

1 (16 to 20 ounce) package cheese tortellini (or any variety)
2 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach
1/4 cup roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)

Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella (fresh, packaged, or smoked; divided)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (divided)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil an 8-inch square or 1 ½ quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the Tortellini – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
Combine Ingredients – In a large bowl, toss together the cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, chopped spinach, parsley, oregano, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan.
Assemble the Casserole – Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and everything is heated through.
Optional Browning – For a golden-brown top, briefly place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Serve – Remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce depending on preference.
Swap in other greens like kale or arugula instead of spinach.
Add cooked sausage or mushrooms for extra protein or flavor.
Watch carefully if broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 380
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 920mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 45mg