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Cheesy Pesto Tortellini Bake with Mozzarella Recipe

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4.4 from 31 reviews

This Cheesy Pesto Tortellini Bake with Mozzarella is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired casserole featuring fresh cheese tortellini tossed in a creamy basil pesto sauce, enriched with parmesan and finished with a golden mozzarella topping. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, this baked pasta dish combines rich, fresh flavors with a smooth, cheesy texture that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 20 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 heaping cup frozen peas
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the tortellini dish.
  2. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, basil pesto, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Mix Pasta and Peas: Add the cooked tortellini and frozen peas to the pesto cream mixture. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir gently to coat all the pasta and peas evenly.
  5. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the tortellini mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle some extra grated parmesan cheese on top for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use fresh cheese tortellini for the best texture and flavor.
  • You can substitute frozen peas with fresh peas if available.
  • For added protein, consider adding cooked chicken or Italian sausage.
  • If basil pesto is homemade, adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Ensure the baking dish is lightly greased to prevent sticking.
  • Adjust baking time slightly if using a different oven or pan size.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian