Description
The best part about this dish is its versatility. You can easily customize it to fit your family’s tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re using store-bought tortellini or making your own, this recipe is sure to deliver a rich and comforting experience.
Ingredients
Tortellini: 2 cups (about 500g) of cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Ham: 2 cups (300g), cooked and diced (you can use leftover ham or purchase pre-cooked ham)
Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 ½ cups (170g)
Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups (170g)
Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50g), grated
Heavy cream: 1 ½ cups (360ml)
Milk: 1 cup (240ml)
Butter: 3 tablespoons (42g)
Flour: 3 tablespoons (24g), all-purpose
Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon (5g)
Onion powder: ½ teaspoon (2g)
Salt: ½ teaspoon (2g), or to taste
Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1g)
Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (1g)
Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons (optional), chopped for garnish
Optional Ingredients:
Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (50g), for a crunchy topping
Spinach: 1 cup (30g), fresh or frozen (for an extra veggie boost)
Red pepper flakes: A pinch, for a bit of heat
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure that your casserole doesn’t stick to the pan, making cleanup easier.
Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (typically about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7-9 minutes for frozen). Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set aside.
Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook the mixture for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Notes
Use Fresh or Frozen Tortellini: Whether you choose fresh or frozen tortellini, make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package. Fresh tortellini generally cooks faster than frozen, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Tortellini will continue cooking in the oven, so it’s important to cook it al dente. Overcooking the pasta before baking may result in mushy pasta after baking.
Make the Sauce Thick: The cheese sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, it won’t hold together well in the bake. Let the sauce cook for a few extra minutes if necessary to thicken before adding the tortellini.
Add Extra Seasoning: Taste the sauce before combining it with the tortellini and ham. You may need to adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or herbs (like thyme or basil) based on your preference.
Leftover Ham: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham. The more flavorful the ham, the better the casserole will taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Ham and Cheese Tortellini Bake, Tortellini Bake Recipe. Ham and Cheese Casserole, Cheesy Tortellini Bake, Tortellini with Ham