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- 12 oz cheese tortellini - 1 cup creamy basil pesto - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish This dish is simple yet full of flavor. Start with cheese tortellini, which gives a soft texture. You can use fresh or frozen tortellini. Next, creamy basil pesto adds a punch of flavor. It’s rich and fragrant. Heavy cream ties it all together, making the dish creamy and dreamy. For the cheese, I love combining mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella melts perfectly, while Parmesan adds a salty bite. Together, they create the perfect topping. Don’t forget the cherry tomatoes! They add a burst of sweetness. Garlic powder gives depth, while salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh basil leaves add a nice touch. They look pretty and taste great. Gather these ingredients for a delightful meal that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray. - Boil salted water in a large pot. - Cook the tortellini until al dente, following the package instructions. - Drain the tortellini and set aside. - In a mixing bowl, combine creamy basil pesto and heavy cream. - Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended. - Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. - Carefully add the cooked tortellini and halved cherry tomatoes to the sauce. - Gently fold the mixture with a spatula until all pieces are coated. - Transfer the tortellini mixture into the greased baking dish. - Spread it out evenly for even cooking. - Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. - Place the baking dish in the oven. - Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. - Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. To cook tortellini perfectly, adjust your time based on whether it is fresh or frozen. Fresh tortellini cooks in about 3-4 minutes. Frozen tortellini takes about 5-7 minutes. Always check for al dente texture, which means it should be firm but tender. You can boost the flavor of your bake by adding a few extra seasonings. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also work well. You can mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright kick. Explore what flavors you enjoy most! For a golden, bubbly cheese crust, use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Make sure to sprinkle it evenly over the top. To get that nice color, bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 20-25 minutes. For a crunchier topping, broil it for a minute at the end. Just watch it closely to avoid burning! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh tortellini and homemade pesto to elevate the dish's flavor profile. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to substitute or add different cheeses like fontina or gouda for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Make it Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep. Customize Your Veggies: Add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color in your tortellini bake. {{image_4}} You can change up the dish with proteins like chicken, shrimp, or sausage. If you want chicken, cook it in a pan, then shred it before mixing it into the tortellini. For shrimp, sauté it until pink, then add it to the bake. If you prefer sausage, cook and crumble it first. Each of these options gives the dish a new twist. If you want a veggie-packed version, add spinach or roasted vegetables. Fresh spinach wilts down nicely, adding color and nutrients. You can also roast veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just mix them into the sauce with the tortellini. This makes the dish hearty and healthy. For those who need a dairy-free meal, use non-dairy cream and cheese substitutes. Almond or coconut cream works well instead of heavy cream. For cheese, try a dairy-free mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty without dairy. To keep your creamy pesto tortellini bake fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. To reheat your tortellini bake, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warming. In the fridge, your creamy pesto tortellini bake lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 2-3 months. Just remember to label it with the date. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Here are some great options: - Penne - Farfalle - Rigatoni - Shells These shapes hold the creamy sauce well. They also add some fun to your dish! You can use several options if you want a lighter or dairy-free alternative: - Half-and-half - Coconut cream - Cashew cream Each of these gives a nice texture. Choose based on your taste and dietary needs. Yes, you can prep in advance! Here are some tips: - Cook the tortellini and mix it with the sauce. - Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Bake it just before serving. This makes dinner easy and stress-free! Enjoy your creamy pesto tortellini bake! This recipe centers on cheesy tortellini baked in creamy basil pesto sauce. It combines three main ingredients: tortellini, pesto, and heavy cream. You add cherry tomatoes and seasonings to enhance the flavor. I guide you through preheating the oven, cooking the tortellini, and making the sauce. In the end, it's a satisfying dish that you can enjoy as is or customize. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Try different proteins or veggies to make it your own. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Creamy Pesto Tortellini Bake

A delicious and creamy baked pasta dish featuring cheese tortellini, basil pesto, and topped with melted cheeses.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (can be fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup creamy basil pesto
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
  • Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, add the creamy basil pesto and pour in the heavy cream. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, and season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary to suit your preference.
  • Combine Tortellini and Tomatoes: Carefully add the cooked tortellini and halved cherry tomatoes into the pesto cream mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the tortellini and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top of the tortellini mixture.
  • Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want to watch for the cheese to melt, become bubbly, and the edges start to turn a lovely golden brown.
  • Cool Before Serving: Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes to set. This will make serving easier and enhance the flavors.
  • Garnish: Just before serving, adorn your bake with fresh basil leaves for a bright and aromatic finish.

Notes

To elevate the dish further, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal experience.
Keyword bake, cheese, pasta, pesto, tortellini