This garlic Parmesan tortellini bake is creamy, cheesy, and full of buttery garlic flavor. Tender cheese tortellini is coated in a rich Parmesan sauce, topped with extra cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly.
It is an easy comfort-food dinner or side dish that works beautifully for family meals, potlucks, and busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe comes together quickly with refrigerated tortellini and a simple homemade garlic Parmesan sauce. The pasta stays tender, the cheese melts perfectly, and the baked golden top makes it extra delicious.
You can serve it on its own or add chicken, shrimp, sausage, or vegetables to make it a complete meal.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until just tender.
Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Do not overcook the tortellini because it will continue cooking in the oven.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently until every piece is coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Assemble the Bake
Transfer the tortellini mixture to a lightly greased baking dish or foil-lined pan.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Add a little extra Parmesan if desired.
Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a deeper golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely so the cheese does not burn.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Tortellini Bake
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese when possible. It melts smoothly and gives the sauce a richer flavor.
Keep the sauce at a low simmer after adding the cheese. High heat can make creamy sauces separate.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk before baking.
Easy Variations
Add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, shrimp, or crumbled bacon for extra protein.
Stir in spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor and color.
Use pepper jack or provolone cheese instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve garlic Parmesan tortellini with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, or a simple green salad.
It also makes a great side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or baked salmon.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a covered baking dish at 325°F until hot. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan tortellini bake is creamy, comforting, and full of cheesy flavor. With tender tortellini, buttery garlic sauce, and a golden baked top, it is an easy recipe that everyone will want to eat again.