Tortellini casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, bringing together the richness of stuffed pasta with the creaminess of a delectable sauce. This delightful casserole is a wonderful way to turn a classic Italian favourite into a hearty, baked meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
For a tortellini casserole, pork is the traditional and most popular meat filling. The natural fattiness and savoury flavour of pork blend beautifully with the creamy sauce and cheese topping. Often, the filling is a mix of ground pork, sometimes combined with beef or veal, seasoned with herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
If you’re looking for alternatives, beef and chicken are also great options. Beef provides a robust flavour, while chicken offers a milder taste that pairs well with the creaminess of the casserole. For a more luxurious filling, prosciutto or a blend of pork and mortadella can be used to add a delicate, slightly salty flavour.
The star of the show here is the meat-filled tortellini. These little pockets of pasta are traditionally filled with a blend of seasoned meats, creating a savoury and satisfying bite. The meaty filling is encased in perfectly cooked pasta, providing a lovely contrast in texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce used in this casserole.
The sauce is where this dish truly shines. It’s rich, smooth, and indulgent, made with cream to envelop the tortellini in velvety goodness. The creamy sauce not only adds a luscious texture but also enhances the flavours of the meat filling, creating a harmony that’s hard to resist. Some variations may include garlic, herbs, or even a splash of wine to elevate the sauce’s complexity, adding subtle undertones that linger on the palate.
Once the tortellini and sauce are combined in a casserole dish, it’s time for the finishing touch: cheese. A generous layer of grated cheese is sprinkled over the top, ready to melt into a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes. This cheesy topping not only adds a delightful contrast in texture but also infuses the dish with a rich, comforting flavour. The blend of melted cheese with the creamy sauce and meat-filled pasta creates a multi-layered experience in every bite.
The beauty of a tortellini casserole lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a dish that can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy households. You can customise it with different herbs, spices, or even add some vegetables for a bit of colour and nutrition. However you choose to make it, this casserole offers warmth and comfort, bringing people together over a delicious, hearty meal.
Tortellini Casserole
Tortellini casserole is a comforting dish that combines meat-filled tortellini with a rich, creamy sauce and a golden, cheesy topping. It’s baked to perfection, offering a satisfying, multi-layered experience with every bite.
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Servings: 6 People
Calories: 401kcal
Ingredients
- 500 g pork tortellini beef or chicken
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C /375°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.500 g pork tortellini
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour to form a paste, then slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Pour in the heavy cream and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.2 cups heavy cream, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, salt, pepper
- Lightly grease casserole dish with butter or spray oil.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and gently stir until all the pasta is coated.
- Pour the tortellini mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a golden crust.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Suggested Side Dishes
– Garlic Bread: The perfect side to soak up the creamy sauce.
– Simple Green Salad: A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the richness of the casserole.
– Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots add a nutritious element to the meal. Wine Pairing
For this rich and creamy casserole, a Chardonnay pairs wonderfully, offering a balance of acidity and creaminess to complement the sauce. Alternatively, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can cut through the richness without overpowering the dish.
– Garlic Bread: The perfect side to soak up the creamy sauce.
– Simple Green Salad: A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the richness of the casserole.
– Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots add a nutritious element to the meal. Wine Pairing
For this rich and creamy casserole, a Chardonnay pairs wonderfully, offering a balance of acidity and creaminess to complement the sauce. Alternatively, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can cut through the richness without overpowering the dish.
Nutrition
Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 291mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1456IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 295mg | Iron: 0.3mg