One Pan Baked Cheese Tortellini – Delicious Comfort in Under 40 Minutes
Short introduction
One Pan Baked Cheese Tortellini is a cozy, comforting dish that packs loads of flavors. This wonderful recipe combines cheese-filled tortellini with vibrant spinach and mushrooms, all baked in a spicy vodka sauce and topped with melted Parmesan cheese. It’s a one-pan meal that makes cooking and cleanup effortless, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Why you’ll love it
There are plenty of reasons to love this One Pan Baked Cheese Tortellini. First, it’s incredibly easy to make—everything comes together in just one skillet, so you won’t have to fuss with multiple pots and pans. Second, it’s a cheesy, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. The flavors meld beautifully as they bake, and the crispy cheese topping is simply irresistible. Lastly, this dish is packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh spinach and mushrooms, making it a satisfying yet nutritious option.
Ingredients
- Cheese tortellini
- Fresh spinach
- Mushrooms
- Spicy vodka sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan cheese
Substitutions & key variations
You can easily customize this dish to your liking. If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it well. For a different flavor profile, consider swapping spicy vodka sauce with marinara or Alfredo sauce. If you want extra protein, add cooked chicken or Italian sausage. Lastly, feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). The oven needs to be hot to achieve the perfect bubbly, golden cheese topping.
Step 2: Sauté the mushrooms and garlic
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add chopped garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté them until the mushrooms become tender and start to release their juices, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the spinach
Next, stir in the fresh spinach, cooking until it wilts down—this should take about 2-3 minutes. The spinach will add vibrant color and nutrients to your dish.
Step 4: Combine ingredients
Now it’s time to add the cheese tortellini and spicy vodka sauce into the skillet. Gently stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined. Make sure the tortellini is coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Season the dish
Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. This is your chance to enhance the flavor of the dish to your preference.
Step 6: Add cheese and bake
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese on top for that cheesy, crusty layer. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm.
Success tips
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the skillet inside to help everything cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on the dish while baking to avoid burning the cheese. Every oven varies, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
- The texture should be creamy with a crispy top layer. If you prefer it extra crispy, you can turn on the broiler for the last couple of minutes—just watch closely!
How to serve
One Pan Baked Cheese Tortellini is best served warm right out of the oven. You can garnish it with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad or garlic bread to make your meal even more delightful.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can be kept for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven by covering it with foil to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven—add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Q: Is there a vegetarian option for the sauce?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to choose a vodka sauce that is labeled vegetarian, or use marinara sauce instead.
Q: Can I freeze the baked tortellini?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dish before baking. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. To bake from frozen, you may need to add some extra baking time.
Nutrition notes
One serving of One Pan Baked Cheese Tortellini is a great source of calcium from cheese, fiber from spinach, and carbs from the tortellini. This dish can be a balanced meal option when paired with fresh vegetables or a salad.
Conclusion
This One Pan Baked Cheese Tortellini is a delightful and simple meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its cheesy, comforting flavors combined with wholesome ingredients make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ready to delight your taste buds? Give this recipe a try and enjoy!
Links to related recipes
- Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta
- Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
- One-Pot Garlic Butter Pasta
- Easy Chicken Alfredo Bake
One Pan Baked Cheese Tortellini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Cheese tortellini Use fresh or frozen tortellini.
- 5 oz Fresh spinach Can substitute with frozen, thawed and drained.
- 8 oz Mushrooms Sliced.
- 24 oz Spicy vodka sauce Alternatively use marinara or Alfredo sauce.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil For sautéing.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
- to taste Salt Adjust as preferred.
- to taste Pepper Adjust as preferred.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese Grated for topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and sauté until tender and juices are released, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add cheese tortellini and spicy vodka sauce to the skillet, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.