Description
Comforting creamy tortellini alfredo casserole delivers pure Italian-inspired magic straight from your kitchen. Rich cheese, tender pasta, and golden-brown edges promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (20 ounces / 567 grams) cheese tortellini, cooked and drained
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cooking Preparation:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a thin layer of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Create a luxurious sauce base by whisking together creamy Alfredo sauce, velvety heavy cream, aromatic garlic powder, herbal Italian seasoning, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Carefully fold the pre-cooked tortellini into the sauce, ensuring each pasta pillow is generously and uniformly enrobed with the rich, silky mixture.
- Transfer the sauced tortellini to the prepared baking dish, spreading them in an even, inviting layer that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
- Lavishly sprinkle a blanket of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the surface, creating a golden, melty topping that will transform during baking.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to become completely melted, gloriously bubbly, and develop a tempting golden hue.
- For those seeking an extra crispy texture, activate the broiler for a brief 2-3 minutes to achieve a perfect caramelized cheese crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish.
Notes
- Make ahead by preparing the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating before baking for convenient meal planning.
- Swap regular tortellini with whole wheat or gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.
- Add protein variety like diced chicken, cooked shrimp, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and nutritional boost.
- Reduce calorie content by using light Alfredo sauce and part-skim mozzarella cheese without compromising the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg