π² Tortellini Casserole Recipe π²
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 350Β°F (175Β°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.
π§ Cheesy, Creamy, and Oh-So-Satisfying! π₯¦
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! πβ¨
