This cheesy tortellini casserole is for those moments. It’s a bit like a baked lasagna—with pasta, cheese, tomato sauce—but a lot easier to put together.
The Secret Is Frozen Cheese Tortellini
Of course, the reason it’s so easy to assemble is that you are starting with already made cheese-filled tortellini, which can usually be found in the frozen food section of your grocery store (if not, frozen ravioli would also work). You can also use boxed tortellini or even fresh tortellini; cook it according to the package instructions until just al dente before assembling the casserole.
A Simple, Adaptable Casserole
As you boil the water for the tortellini, you make the sauce. Then toss the cooked tortellini with the sauce, put in a casserole dish, cover with Mozzarella and bake until bubbly. That’s it! In this version we are including chopped cremini mushrooms because they taste great, and chopped chard for a healthy green. You could use spinach instead of the chard, or skip it all together. Or you could use sausage instead of the mushrooms for a meat-based approach. This hearty vegetarian casserole is perfect for a Meatless Monday meal.
How to Store and Reheat
This casserole will keep in the fridge for about five days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole casserole in a warm oven until warmed through.
More Cheesy Pasta Casseroles:
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Mint Ricotta Stuffed Shells Classic Lasagna Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Chicken Noodle Casserole
You want the pasta cooked al dente because it will continue to cook when baked in the casserole. Remove from heat and drain. Set aside. Add the mushrooms. “Dry” sauté them for 5 to 10 minutes with no added fat. As the mushrooms heat they will release water and cook in their own juices. Once the mushrooms are well coated with the water that they are releasing, stir in a tablespoon of butter. Add the crushed tomatoes and the dried or fresh basil. Increase the heat to bring to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a low simmer for 5 minutes. Add the chopped chard and cook for 5 more minutes until the chard begins to wilt. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt (more or less to taste). Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 4 to 5 minutes more until top is lightly browned and bubbly.
