Craving a delicious Italian-inspired dish that's both gluten-free and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This Easy Baked Tortellini recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will impress everyone at the dinner table. Imagine tender pasta pillows swimming in rich marinara sauce, topped with melted cheese that stretches with every forkful - all without gluten! Whether you're managing celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or simply looking for a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz gluten-free tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free tortellini according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes less than the recommended time to prevent overcooking. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent the tortellini from sticking.
- Arrange the partially cooked tortellini in a single layer over the marinara sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the tortellini, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the tortellini and sauce.
- Dust the top with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning for added flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to develop a light golden color.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy your gluten-free baked tortellini!
Tips
- • Always check your gluten-free tortellini package, as cooking times can vary slightly between brands. • Don't overcook the tortellini during the initial boiling - aim for al dente, as they'll continue cooking in the oven. • For extra flavor, consider adding some sautéed garlic or fresh herbs to the marinara sauce before baking. • If you want a crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning. • Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best taste - it makes a huge difference in the final dish. • For a protein boost, you can mix in some cooked ground turkey or Italian sausage before baking. • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 184kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
