Marry Me Tortellini Bake
Marry Me Tortellini Bake combines cheese tortellini with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, Italian seasoning, butter, and a gentle peppery finish. It is a cozy oven pasta dinner for family nights, simple guests, or a low-effort one dish meal.
Equipment
- Medium baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, then warm gently.
- Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until the sauce is mostly smooth and creamy.
- Place the tortellini in the baking dish, pour the sauce over it, and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 18 minutes, then uncover and bake 8 to 10 minutes longer.
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual portions in short intervals with a splash of cream if needed.
Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months, but expect the cream sauce to loosen slightly after thawing and reheating.
Expert Tips: Use freshly grated Parmesan and avoid boiling the cream so the sauce stays smooth.
Variations: Add cooked chicken, spinach, mushrooms, mozzarella, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes before baking.
Texture Tips: Let the bake rest for a few minutes after the oven so the sauce clings to the tortellini.