This foolproof recipe for Baked Tortellini Casserole is made with fresh tortellini, jarred marinara sauce, and lots of melty cheese—then baked until bubbly and golden.
This is one of those repeater recipes you’ll find yourself turning to again and again because your family keeps asking for it. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd. It’s such an easy dinner to make!
We love tortellini at my house, so I have a few more recipes for you to try if you love it too. How about Tortellini Mac and Cheese or Sun Dried Tomato Tortellini Soup? You can even make a salad out if it- try Greek Tortellini Salad or Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to customize with add-ins.
- You will only need just a few simple ingredients.
- It’s a quick and easy dinner that can be ready in about 30 minutes.
- And it’s definitely family-friendly and kid-approved!
Ingredients Needed:
- Fresh tortellini: Tender, stuffed pasta that cooks quickly
- Marinara sauce: Flavorful shortcut sauce (or you can use homemade marinara)
- Mozzarella cheese: Melty, cheesy goodness
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth
- Parsley: Fresh finishing touch
How to Make Baked Tortellini Casserole
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil cooking spray.
- Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain well. Add drained tortellini and marinara back to the pot. Toss to coat. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining 3 cups mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake 20 to 25 minutes, until cheese is melted. Remove foil and broil a couple minutes to lightly brown the top.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
- Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added veggies.
- Swap marinara for vodka sauce or Alfredo sauce for a different twist.
- Serve with cheesy garlic bread or a caesar salad for a complete dinner!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
If you love baked pasta…
Try our recipe for Skillet Baked Ziti too. That’s a good one. I love to use it for bringing to friends who are recovering from surgery (or have had a baby!) Lasagna Roll Ups and Easy Skillet Lasagna are favorites too. And for simply good “baked pasta,” try my aptly named Baked Pasta recipe!
Fun Facts About Tortellini:
- Before the 19th century, tortellini was a dish served only to the rich.
- Favorite fillings for tortellini are cheese, spinach and cheese and Italian sausage.
- 39% of Americans believe that tortellini is a fancy pasta.
- 18% of Americans don’t even know what tortellini is!
- Tortelloni are larger than tortellini.
Baked Tortellini Casserole
Ingredients
- olive oil cooking spray
- 20 ounces fresh tortellini
- One 32-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or more, as desired)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉. Spray the inside of a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil cooking spray.
- Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain well. Add the drained tortellini and marinara back to the pot that you cooked the tortellini in. Toss to coat the tortellini with the sauce. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella.
- Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared casserole dish, and spread it out in an even layer. Top the tortellini with the remaining 3 cups shredded mozzarella and the grated parmesan.
- Cover the dish with foil. Bake until the cheese is melted, about 20 to 25 minutes. To brown the top a bit, remove the foil and broil a couple minutes.
- Sprinkle the parsley on top, and serve.
Notes
- Cheese-filled tortellini (cheese or spinach-cheese) works best.
- Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or rotisserie chicken to make it heartier.
- Stir in a handful of spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
