Description
Creamy Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini Bake brings Italian comfort straight to your dinner table. Crispy bacon crumbles and rich cheese sauce create an irresistible combination you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- ¼ cup (25 grams) breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Gently boil the tortellini in a generously salted water bath until they float and reach a perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain and set aside in a colander to prevent sticking.
- Warm the oven to a precise 375F (190C), preparing a 9×13-inch ceramic baking vessel with a light olive oil spray to prevent adherence.
- Craft a luxurious sauce blend by whisking Alfredo sauce with aromatic garlic powder, herbaceous Italian seasoning, and sharp Parmesan cheese. Season with delicate salt and cracked pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Immerse the cooked tortellini into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pillow is completely enrobed with the rich, velvety mixture.
- Transfer the sauced tortellini into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that promises uniform deliciousness.
- Generously cascade mozzarella cheese across the surface, allowing it to create a molten landscape of cheesy potential.
- Crisp bacon pieces into delicate, crunchy fragments and combine with golden breadcrumbs for a textural crown.
- Scatter the bacon-breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer, creating a rustic, appetizing topping.
- Slide the dish into the heated oven, allowing the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece over 20-25 minutes.
- Retrieve the bake and let it rest momentarily, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
- Serve immediately alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread to complete this indulgent meal.
Notes
- Opt for fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for the best texture and flavor, ensuring a more authentic pasta experience.
- Crisp the bacon beforehand to enhance its crunchiness and release maximum smoky flavor before crumbling over the dish.
- Consider using gluten-free tortellini and breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
- Save time by using pre-cooked bacon bits or crumbles when you’re in a hurry, but fresh bacon will always provide superior crunch and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 528
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1040mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg