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This easy Baked Tortellini Casserole is quick & mainly cooks itself, with very little prep. It's one of the best weeknight dinners, for those nights when you feel a little indulgent but just can't be bothered. And as an added bonus it's really easy to make vegetarian - just go for cheese filled tortellini instead.
This post was last updated November 1st 2019.
A big part of my college degree could be probably attributed to this specific recipe. I made it almost every week back then, when money was tight (I once had mashed potatoes topped with barbecue seasoning and ketchup for dinner. A low point in my culinary career. Especially as I added too much water to the mashed potatoes so it came out more like a mashed potato soup.) and all food needed to be lunchbox-appropriate.
But, knowing myself, it also had to be really tasty (the mashed potato soup being one of the few exceptions to the rule) - otherwise, I would just ditch it and run to the cafeteria instead. (This happened more than I would like to admit, especially when I was really trying to live on a budget and made some really boring food that ended up costing me more than making some nice stuff would have. Probably something like this that ended up causing the whole mashed potato soup incident. And made me get a job.)
This tortellini casserole fits all the requirements. It's quick and mainly cooks itself (here's two other recipes that fit perfectly in this category as well: a baked seafood pasta casserole and a super simple chicken broccoli pasta bake), so it's perfect for fitting in some studying or working while it's cooking. It's cheap, at least along my standards - one portion comes out at €1-2. And, it's perfect for your lunchbox - especially if you cook the tortellini a little bit less so they're not overcooked after heating up.
And, not to mention, it's tasty & cheesy & comforting and all set to make you happy.
Now, on to the easy-peasy cooking part.
How to make an easy Baked Tortellini Casserole
Start by cooking your tortellini (dried tortellini is best for this) about half the time stated on the package. Drain and place half of them in a non-stick oven pan*. No need for butter if using non-stick for this!
Place half of your spinach on top - don't go splurging on baby spinach for this, the big grown-up kind will do just as well.
Now add half of your cheese.
On with the rest of the tortellini and sprinkle with chili flakes*. Adjust to your taste, and if you don't like spice at all then just add your seasoning of choice instead. But don't skimp! A lot is good.
Add the rest of the spinach.
And the rest of the cheese.
Pour over the cream, and stick it in the oven.
And about 15 minutes later you'll have this beautiful baked tortellini casserole all ready to go.
What you need to make an Easy Tortellini Casserole
What to serve with Baked Tortellini Casserole
Often I just eat my tortellini casserole as it is, I mean you do have a nice helping of spinach in there so that's technically salad (or something like that). But it does go really well with a separate salad as well - tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers with a basic vinaigrette would sit nicely.
And if what you're really wondering is which wine to choose - go for something with its own hint of pepperiness, like a Syrah, Tempranillo or Pinot Noir. If going for white, go a bit sweet - it balances the spiciness nicely.
As always - I love hearing from you, so if you made this, please leave a comment and rating below! Or just leave a comment anyway and let me know what you think. And if you share your creation on Instagram - please tag me and use the hashtag #alwaysusebutter!
Ingredients
- 250 g dry tortellini filled with ham & cheese
- 70 g spinach
- 150 g shredded cheese
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 dl cream full fat, cooking cream or half n half
Instructions
- Set oven for 200 C/400 F.
- Cook the dried tortellini for half as long as stated on the package and drain.
- Place half of the tortellini in an oven pan measuring about 20x30cm/8x11''. On top of the tortellini, place half of the spinach followed by half of the cheese. Add the rest of the tortellini, sprinkle with the chili flakes, and follow with the rest of the spinach and cheese. Pour over the cream, and try to spread it out as much as possible.
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly golden and the casserole seems mostly set. Serve as it is or with a salad.
Equipment needed for this recipe
Notes
- Make it vegetarian: Use dried cheese tortellini instead of ham & cheese
- Make ahead: Cut the tortellini cooking time by one more minute so it won't overcook when heating up.
- Not into spice? Use another seasoning of your choice.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
Mariah
I couldn’t find dry tortellini ANYWHERE at the small grocery store I stopped at on my way home, but they had frozen, and I already had the rest of the ingredients at home to make this, so I went ahead and got the frozen! Any idea if it will make a difference? I don’t have that much experience cooking. But I figured if you’re supposed to cook the tortellini ahead either way it might not matter that much? What do you think?
Emmeline Kemperyd
Hi Mariah! Good thinking! Shouldn't matter at all since you are going to cook them either way 🙂 I hope you enjoy! /Emmeline
Stacey
What type of cream are you referring to in the recipe?
Emmeline Kemperyd
Hi Stacey! I use whipping cream or half n half depending on what I feel like (updated the recipe to clarify this). The nutriontal content is calculated for using whipping cream. Have a nice day! /Emmeline
Lisa Rios
This looks simple and delicious! Great for family gatherings. Nothing compares to a warm meal at home.
Emmeline
Thank you, Lisa! Agreed, an easy warm meal is just so nice.
Crystal (The Busy Mom Diary)
This is an inspiring dish that I think I can tackle and my whole family will love.
Emmeline
Thank you for commenting, Crystal! Let me know what your family thinks! 😀
Alyazia
Now that is something I would love to follow, you just made full in love with you’re blog. As someone who live in Dubai/ United Arab Emirates, we don’t do this at all. I have just seen it in movies so this well be my next meal to try ❤️❤️❤️ I can’t experess how happy i am to find your blog
Emmeline
Aww thank you, Alyazia! Those are so kind words! I hope you try it and maybe you ca make it a thing n the UAE as well? 😀
Justyna Butler
Can I just tell you I can taste it just looking at the incredible pictures! Yum!
Emmeline
Thank you, that’s what I’m trying for! 😊
Lyosha
I actually love such simple bakes casseroles. SO delish and very simple to make, my favorite type of food cooking
Ashley Nicole Rice
I'll have to play around with making a vegan version of this. It sounds like it would be a fun one to make!
Emmeline
Let me know if you find a good version! Would love to make a vegan version as well!
Helen Neale
Wow, I have never tried to make this recipe looks really delicious and easy. I will try to make this for my kids, thanks for sharing!
Maartje van Sandwijk
This looks so good! Definitely going to make this - but without the cheese 🙂
Bindu Thomas
This looks damn delicious! I love trying new recipes. Will surely make this soon.
Emmeline
That’s a good reaction! 😉 thanks for commenting!
Rosey
This is one of my faves. We had ravioli tonight but I almost decided on tortellini instead.
Gervin Khan
The dish looks tasty and great texture for it's creamy. I give a perfect score for this recipe, you've given this a great twist and very unique style of ingredients.
Emmeline
Thank you so much for commenting!
Kaitlyn Knoll
Mm! I'm vegan but def will try a vegan substitute of this. Thanks for sharing!
Ruth
This looks delicious and you made it seem so easy to make! I love that you included what to serve with it too. I may have to try this out next time I’m making dinner 🙂
Jeannette (Jay Joy)
Thanks for the tip to cook the tortellini a little less as to not overcook after heating it up. Sounds great. I am a meat eater so I think this will go great with some chicken breast as well.
Emmeline
Yeessss that’s a great idea! Will have to try it for myself. Thanks for commenting!
Judy
The pictures and step by step instructions are amazing. This looks delicious and so easy to make. I think I’m going to have to try it. Never thought to do the dry pasta.
Emmeline
Thank you! 😍 let me know when you try it, hope you’ll enjoy!
Sarah S Kasulke
omgggg where has this been all my life!! I am making it this week
Emmeline
Love this!!! Let me know what you think!
Aia
wow.. yum yum. I like the fact that you add nutritional facts..
Kayla
I love adding spinach to so many things. My 7 year old is a noodle addict and I bet he would absolutely love this.
Emmeline
Same here! Such an easy way to get some extra greens in there.
Michelle
This looks delicious! I wonder if there's a way to make it gluten free
Emmeline
Good question! If you find gluten-free tortellini you could use that - but not really sure if that’s a thing? 😕
Melanie Frost
That meal looks delicious. Makes me wish I knew how to cook. But I'm going to share with my hubby and get him to make it for me 🙂
Emmeline
This is probably a good dish to start with otherwise. But having your hubby cook for you sounds like a great idea! 😁
Alyazia
That’s looks yummy 😋 I actually never tried this beacuse where I live it’s usually rice and so on, so this is never in our menu. I have to to do it tommrow
Emmeline
Well rice dishes are also nice 😍
Julia
What a great idea using tortellini! I bet it tastes amazing!
kim
Love this flavorful meal! Can't wait to whip it up this weekend!
Neli Howard
What a nice and easy recipe! Perfect for weeknight dinners! I too am always on the lookout for quick and easy meals! The tortellini bake looks Delish! Thanks
Emmeline
You’re welcome! ❤️
Claudia Lamascolo
I love pasta and tortellini is one of my family favorites. We make them several times a year. These sound great baked!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
What a tasty looking dish! My family would absolutely love this and it takes such a short time to make! Definitely giving this a go.
Emmeline
Let me know how you like it! 😃