🍲 Tortellini Casserole Recipe 🍲
Description:
This Tortellini Casserole is a cherished family favorite, guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters! It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that has graced many potluck tables, always leaving empty plates and satisfied smiles behind.
Recipe Details:
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | Butter |
| 2 | Garlic cloves, minced |
| 1 | Onion, finely chopped |
| 1/4 | All-purpose flour |
| 2 cups | Milk |
| 1 can | Diced tomatoes |
| 1 cup | Tomato sauce |
| 1/2 cup | Tomato paste |
| 1 tsp | Dried thyme |
| 1 tsp | Basil |
| 1 tsp | Oregano |
| To taste | Salt and pepper |
| 1 lb | Tortellini, fresh or frozen |
| 1 head | Broccoli, chopped |
| 2 cups | Colby cheese, grated |
| 1 cup | Cheddar cheese, grated |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan cheese, grated |
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 372.5
- Fat: 25.7g
- Saturated Fat: 15.8g
- Cholesterol: 74.8mg
- Sodium: 893.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 19.2g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugar: 3.6g
- Protein: 18.9g
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a large baking dish.
-
-
Making the Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking gently for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and tender.
- Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Preparing the Tortellini and Broccoli:
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to package instructions, but for 3 minutes less than the recommended time.
- In the last 5 minutes of the tortellini’s cooking time, add the chopped broccoli to the pot.
- Drain the tortellini and broccoli well, ensuring there’s no excess water.
-
Assembly:
- Combine the cooked tortellini and broccoli with the prepared sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add in the grated colby and cheddar cheeses, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
-
Baking the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the top with the grated parmesan cheese, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
-
Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with some fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- This Tortellini Casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner, potluck gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with a comforting and delicious meal!
Tips:
- For a vegetarian option, you can skip the meat-filled tortellini and use cheese-filled tortellini instead.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions.
- Make it ahead of time! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.
🧀 Cheesy, Creamy, and Oh-So-Satisfying! 🥦
This Tortellini Casserole is a celebration of flavors and textures, combining tender tortellini, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious tomato-herb sauce. With its gooey layers of melted cheese on top, every bite is a comforting embrace of goodness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen! 😋✨
