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I adore my meat-free stuffed pasta bake. It's my favorite after-work meal. I mix the creamy sauce right in the baking dish, which isn't just handy but saves loads of time too. Combined with tortellini, juicy tomatoes and melty mozzarella, it turns into a wonderfully crispy casserole.
Easy and relaxing
What I really dig about this dish: after just 5 minutes of prep, my oven takes over. Just what you need when you want something tasty but quick after a long day.
Why this bake wins my heart
This tortellini bake is my fallback when I need something simple. You can switch it up however you want, and it never fails to wow everyone at the table.
Here's how to do it
- Get everything ready
- I crush the garlic fresh, cut the tomatoes in half, and slice the mozzarella into nice rounds
- The sauce
- I mix cooking cream, tomato paste, fresh garlic and my favorite spices right in my baking dish
- Layer it up
- I nestle the tortellini into the sauce, then scatter tomatoes and mozzarella on top
Let the oven work
I bake it at 180 degrees fan for 20 minutes. I wait until the mozzarella has melted nicely and gotten slightly golden, that's what makes it extra yummy.
You'll need these items
- Tortellini: 400 g with your favorite filling
- Tomatoes: 200 g really ripe ones work best
- Mozzarella: 125 g sliced for that crusty top
- Cooking cream: 200 ml for the creamy base
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp adds rich color
- Garlic: 1 clove freshly pressed
- Seasonings: salt, pepper and paprika to taste
- Chives: freshly chopped for garnish
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My time-saver trick
The smart part of this dish: I mix the sauce directly in the baking dish. Saves not just time but washing up too - that's totally my style.
Meatless but filling
My veggie bake wins over dedicated meat-lovers too. The mix of pasta, tomatoes and gooey cheese is just impossible to resist.
Great serving partners
I love serving my tortellini bake with a crunchy green salad. And don't forget a chunk of crusty baguette for mopping up that sauce.
Kids can't get enough
Children go crazy for this bake. Tortellini and cheese are already their favorites, and in this form, they'll even eat the tomatoes.
Sneaky veggie trick
Sometimes I smuggle in extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers or peas. The sauce hides everything perfectly and makes the meal even healthier.
Great for meal prep
On busy days, I put the bake together in the morning and pop it in the fridge. Come evening, it just needs to go in the oven - so convenient.
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Layering magic
The layering is my little secret. The tortellini soak in the sauce while the tomatoes and mozzarella spread evenly on top for perfect results.
That golden finish
When the mozzarella melts and turns golden brown in the oven, that's the big moment. This crispy cheese crust is what makes the bake truly special.
Ready in no time
In just 25 minutes, I've got a steaming bake on my table. Can't get much faster than that, and it always tastes amazing.
Use up leftovers
This bake works brilliantly for using up odds and ends. Leftover veggies or opened packages of cheese find a new purpose here.
Tasty and nourishing
The fresh tomatoes and mozzarella don't just make my bake delicious but truly satisfying too. Good taste can be so straightforward.
Italian vibes
With tortellini, tomatoes and mozzarella, I bring a bit of Italy into my kitchen. This Mediterranean trio just can't be beaten.
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Your way works too
The best thing about this dish? You can adapt it completely to your taste. Different spices, different cheese types - just play around with it.
When company drops by
This bake is my go-to when I have guests. It looks great, everyone loves it, and I get to spend time with my visitors instead of cooking.
Beginner-friendly cooking
Even if you don't cook often, this bake will turn out great. The recipe is truly foolproof and always makes a good impression.
Winter comfort food
On cold days, this bake is my soul food. The steaming aroma when it comes out of the oven just brings instant happiness.
After-work solution
When I get home late, this bake saves the day. Quick to make, super filling, and so delicious at the same time.
Budget-friendly dish
With just a few affordable ingredients, you can create a meal that looks much fancier. Good cooking doesn't need to cost a lot.
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My final thoughts
My tortellini bake hits that sweet spot between simple and tasty. It works every time, can be changed up in countless ways, and makes everyone happy. A true comfort food dish that I can't recommend enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it fine to use frozen tortellini?
- Yep, frozen tortellini totally work. Just give it an extra 5–10 minutes in the oven.
- → Which filling’s best for tortellini here?
- Honestly, any kind works. Classic ricotta-spinach or cheese-packed tortellini go great with tomato and mozzarella.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
- You can get it ready and stash it in the fridge. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time later.
- → Anything good I can throw in?
- Toss in some cooked zucchini or bell pepper. A sprinkle of pine nuts or fresh basil is also awesome on top.
- → How do I lighten it up?
- Swap some cream for a splash of milk or veggie broth. You’ll get a lighter, less rich result.