This cheesy, creamy baked tortellini is perfect all year long! An extra quick homemade cheese sauce is tossed with tender tortellini and ham and peas.
Swap out the add-ins for your favorites (or whatever you have on hand) to create a quick and delicious pasta recipe!
This baked tortellini recipe will be a winner because there are so many different mix-ins and add-ons, you can use nearly whatever you have on hand and everyone will love it!
How to Make Tortellini Bake
This creamy baked tortellini recipe is so simple to prepare.
- Cook tortellini according to package directions. Do not overcook, they will cook more in the oven.
- Make the cheese sauce (per recipe below).
- Combine everything in a casserole dish and cover with remaining cheddar cheese and bake uncovered.
Variations
- Swap ham for leftover chicken or turkey
- Swap peas for leftover roasted veggies
- Add in fresh veggies that have been steamed or sautéed tender crisp. Steamed broccoli is a favorite!
- Trade out the cheeses for whatever is in your fridge. Ensure at least one of the cheeses has a bold flavor.
Shortcut: Swap out the homemade sauce for jarred alfredo sauce (you’ll need about 22oz or 1 1/2 (15 oz each jars) and stir in the cheeses.
Add in leftover roasted veggies or leftover chicken in place of ham.
What To Serve With Tortellini Bake
Depending on what you put in your signature version of tortellini bake, nearly anything can be a good side dish! Try a fresh, crispy salad with a tangy vinaigrette, beet salad or even a simple tossed salad.
Serve with a slice of garlic bread!
Got Leftovers?
Creamy tortellini leftovers make great next day lunches for school and work! It can even be served cold!
- To Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave. Add a little milk to thin it out a bit if needed.
More Baked Pasta Dishes
- Baked Penne Casserole
- Pizza Baked Tortellini
- Baked Rigatoni Pasta
- Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- Easy Homemade Lasagna
Creamy Baked Tortellini
Ingredients
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini refrigerated
- 2 cups chopped ham
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ⅔ cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen green peas defrosted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook tortellini according to package directions.
- Combine butter, garlic and basil in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat 3-4 minutes or until fragrant.
- Add flour and seasonings. Cook 1 minute. Stir in milk a little at a time until smooth. Bring to a boil while stirring over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until smooth and melted.
- Combine tortellini, sauce, ham, and green peas in a 9x13 pan. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bake uncovered, 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Casserole, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Loved this recipe! Absolutely delicious!
Happy to hear you loved it, Lori!
Very tasty Holly, although I can’t remember IF I followed THIS particular recipe, or one which was very similar in the past. I’m sure this dish would have been terrific, even before I made some slight alterations for my family’s personal preferences. I used Spinach Tortellini, which was stuffed w/cheese, a ‘lower sodium’ widely available deli ham (Krakus brand), & as I always do for casseroles which call for milk, I used Evaporated Milk – which has all the water ‘evaporated’ out of it, so it makes the casserole creamier, and the sauce will stick much better to the pasta. Please note: I’m not criticizing your recipe, but just saying how I made it to suit my family. Everyone, including our 4 little ones, gave it a big fat thumbs up, so I’ll definately be making it this way again.
So glad you loved it, Angelina! And no criticism taken ☺️ We love hearing how you adapt the recipe for your family! Your substitutions do sound delicious though!
Could frozen tortellini be used??
Sure it can. You’ll want to cook it according to package instructions to use in this recipe.
I have tried a number of your recipes and so far have not found a single one that myself and family don’t enjoy
Thank you so much Jean, I’m glad you’ve loved the recipes!
Another great recipe, Holly. I did use a jarred Alfredo sauce, but over all, the meal is delicious and was very well liked by the family. Thanks again for a great recipe.
:) Lee
So glad you and your family enjoyed it Lee!
Can this be made in a crock pot?
Hi Pamela, we have not made this recipe in the crockpot but you could following similar cooking instructions to our creamy crockpot tortellini recipe. Let us know how it turns out!
Hey,
As always, you’ve pulled another great recipe out of your hat. Easy to make, with great taste !!!
Regards,
Charles
Thank you Charles, so glad you enjoyed it!