Baked Tortellini Casserole – 5 Ingredients

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Baked tortellini casserole is the perfect solution if you love lasagna but don’t want to go to all that work. This simple dish is made with fresh tortellini, jarred marinara, and layers of cheese. It can easily be customized by adding sautéed vegetables or layers of cooked meat. 

This delicious tortellini bake with cream cheese is vegetarian, kid-friendly, and so comforting. It can be prepared in just a few minutes, which makes it ideal for meal prep. Who doesn’t love a one-pan dish that’s easy to put together, has great flavor, and is a great freezer meal?!

And if your family loves this tortellini recipe as much as mine, then they’ll also love this 5 ingredient Baked Ravioli Casserole or my delicious White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.

And for a little more inspiration check out this easy Taco Casserole or you could simply make this creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese.

Why Make This Recipe

• It’s So Easy – This comforting Italian casserole requires just 5 minutes of prep work and will be on the table in about 30 minutes.  
• Kid-Friendly – Cheesy pasta and marinara are always a winner with kids but are also appreciated by the rest of the family. Just like this Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole.
• It’s Customizable – Add meat and veggies to customize this tortellini bake.  
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Like my easy Tater Tot Casserole, make ahead or freeze this comfort food dish.  

Making casseroles is a great way to save time and money. Check out these casseroles for more flavorful ideas your family will love.  

Ingredient Notes

• Cream Cheese – A soft cream cheese layer makes this casserole decadent. 
• Italian Seasoning – Adding additional seasoning brightens the flavor. 
• Marinara –  Use your favorite store-bought marinara or spaghetti sauce. 
• Tortellini – Purchase frozen or fresh cheese tortellini. If using dried tortellini found in the pasta aisle, you must cook it according to the package directions. 
• Basil – Fresh torn or chopped basil adds a bright flavor. 
• Cheese – Combine shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a creamy casserole. 

How To Make Baked Tortellini Casserole

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C and spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese with Italian seasoning.
3. Layer the casserole by first adding 3 tablespoons of marinara sauce to the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Then add half of the tortellini and top with half of the cream cheese.
5. Next, pour on half of the tomato sauce.
6. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of chopped basil, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese.
7. Repeat the layering process using the rest of the tortellini, cream cheese, marinara sauce, basil, shredded mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
8. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. 
9. Remove the foil, and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese turns golden.
10. Garnish with more basil before serving.

Pro Tips 

• You can use fresh refrigerated tortellini or frozen cheese tortellini to make this casserole. 
• Dried tortellini will need to be cooked in advance. 
• Frozen tortellini does not need to be thawed, but you may need to add a few additional minutes to the baking time. 
• Bring the cream cheese to room temperature. You want it to be very soft, so it is easy to spread. 
• Like my easy Crockpot Breakfast Casserole, make a double batch and prepare a second casserole to serve or freeze for an easy meal on another day. 
• This casserole is perfect for sharing with friends and makes a simple holiday meal. 
• Use ingredients you have on hand, such as leftover vegetables or meat. 
• Here are some of my favorite things to use to make this recipe. How many of these do you have already?

Delicious Variations

• Swap The Tortellini – We used cheese tortellini, but you can use any flavor or style of tortellini. You can also make this casserole using fresh ravioli. 
• Add Veggies – Sauté your favorite vegetables in olive oil and add them to the casserole. Fresh spinach is a simple and healthy addition.
• Add Meat – Layer cooked Italian sausage, lean ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken between the tortellini and the marinara layer, or make a meat sauce by adding cooked ground meat to the sauce. 
• Make It Vegan – Omit the cream cheese and top it with vegan cheese. 
• Make It Creamy – Use a jar of alfredo sauce instead of marinara. 

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready. Cover with tin foil and store in the fridge overnight.
• Store – Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave. 
• Freeze – Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Go from freezer to oven, adding additional time as needed.
• Reheat – Reheat large portions in the oven and individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

Similar Recipes

• Ravioli Bake.
• Cheesy Tuna Casserole.
• Tater Tot Casserole. This is a kids favorite.
• Vegan Lasagna.
• Gluten Free Mac and Cheese.
• Vegan Meatloaf.
• Buffalo Chicken Baked Feta Pasta.
• Instant Pot Lasagna Soup.
• Tomato Tortellini Soup.
• 25 easy Breakfast Casseroles.

Serve with

• Frozen Garlic Bread in Air Fryer.
• A delicious Side Salad.
• Meatballs in Oven.
• Air Fryer Cannoli.

Recommended Tools

• An awesome casserole dish for baking.
• A cheese grater for all your cheesy needs 🙂
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Thank you for reading my tortellini recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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