Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the cheesy goodness of tortellini with the hearty flavor of ground turkey and vibrant vegetables? Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this irresistible Baked Tortellini with Turkey and Vegetables recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your baked tortellini cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 3-5 minutes. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
- While the tortellini is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the turkey is fully cooked, add the diced bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the turkey and bell pepper mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the turkey and vegetable mixture. Gently stir until the tortellini is well coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the tortellini mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture. This will create a delicious, cheesy topping when baked.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish set slightly and make it easier to serve.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious baked tortellini with turkey and vegetables!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality marinara sauce and freshly shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Don't overcook the tortellini - aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Make sure to break up the ground turkey into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.
- If you want extra crispiness, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end to get a golden, crispy cheese topping.
- For a healthier version, use whole wheat tortellini and add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and make serving easier.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some parmesan or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
