Description
A simple, creamy baked pasta dish featuring cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) cheese tortellini (fresh refrigerated)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (packed)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated parmesan (for topping)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain immediately.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the grated parmesan and whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Add the fresh spinach directly into the hot Alfredo sauce. Stir gently until it wilts, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add the half-cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Fold gently to coat everything. If the sauce is too thick, add 2–3 tbsp milk or pasta water.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Top with mozzarella and the extra parmesan.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges bubble. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a browned top, if desired.
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra parmesan and pepper.
Notes
- Cook the tortellini slightly underdone initially; they finish cooking in the oven.
- Use fresh parmesan for the best sauce texture.
- Nutmeg adds depth to creamy sauces without making them taste sweet.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 45
- Saturated Fat: 25
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 120
Keywords: Spinach Alfredo Tortellini Bake, Dinner Ideas Recipes, Supper Ideas, Quick Dinner Ideas, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Kid Friendly Dinners, Creamy Pasta Bake