Tortellini al Forno

Let me introduce you to the ultimate comfort food: tortellini al forno! This dish is everything you want when you crave something indulgent, cheesy, and downright cozy. 

Pillowy cheese tortellini swims in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s baked to perfection with melty mozzarella and crispy bacon.

What I love most about this recipe is how it feels fancy yet approachable.

It’s perfect for a dinner party but easy enough for weeknights. Serve it with garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Tortellini al Forno

Comfort Classic: This dish combines the heartiness of cheese-filled tortellini with a creamy sauce and crispy bacon. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

Rich, Indulgent Taste: It features creamy, cheesy notes complemented by the smoky savoriness of crispy bacon. It’s an irresistible dish perfect for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Crowd-Pleaser: With its familiar Italian-American roots and universally loved ingredients, this recipe receives rave reviews.

Easy to Make: Despite its luxurious appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple and can be prepared in under an hour.

Ingredients

• Cheese Tortellini: It’s the heart of the recipe.
  
• Bacon: Chopped and crispy, bacon adds a smoky, salty depth to elevate the overall taste profile of the dish.
  
• Onion and Garlic: Sautéed onions provide a sweet, caramelized base. Garlic brings a pungent aroma and depth, foundational to the sauce.
  
• All-Purpose Flour: It creates a roux to thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings lovingly to the tortellini.
  
• Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: These dairy components combine for a luxurious, velvety sauce. It envelops each piece of tortellini with creaminess.
  
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning adds a herbaceous, earthy note. Salt amps up the flavor, while pepper brings a subtle kick.
  
• Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese: Parmesan melts into the sauce for nutty depth. Mozzarella stretches and browns beautifully on top, providing an irresistible, gooey layer.
  
• Fresh Spinach: It adds a pop of color, a mild, fresh taste, and a nutritional boost, making it seem like a healthier indulgence.
  
• Chopped Fresh Parsley or Basil: These fresh herbs bring vibrant color to garnish the dish.

How to Make Tortellini al Forno

This is an easy, restaurant-quality meal that comes together in a jiffy!

1. Prep and cook the bacon. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan, discarding the rest.

2. Sauté the onion and garlic. Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, taking care not to scorch it.

3. Make the roux and sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk or stir continuously, forming a roux (thick paste). Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Simmer and season. Increase the heat to medium. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Incorporate the cheeses. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and half (½ cup) of the Mozzarella. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.

6. Cook the tortellini. Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini in a separate pot of boiling, salted water according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes for refrigerated tortellini). Drain the tortellini and immediately add them to the cheese sauce.

7. Add the spinach and bacon. Stir in the fresh spinach (if using) until it just begins to wilt. Add half of the cooked bacon bits, reserving the rest to sprinkle on top.

8. Assemble for baking. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Transfer the tortellini and sauce mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded Mozzarella and the reserved bacon.

9. Bake. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

10. Serve. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for extra color and flavor. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad to balance the richness of the dish. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Tortellini al Forno

Here are some of my best tips for a meal to remember.

• Don’t rush the bacon. For perfectly crispy bacon, cook it over medium heat and stir frequently. Don’t rush it with high heat, as it may burn instead of crisping properly.
  
• Don’t skip the roux. Whisking the flour into the bacon drippings ensures a smooth, thick, and creamy sauce. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
  
• Season carefully! Bacon and cheese are salty, so taste the sauce after adding them before adjusting with more salt.
  
• Aim for al dente. Undercook the tortellini slightly (1 minute less than the package instructions) since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce and oven.
  
• Make it bubbly. For a golden, bubbly topping, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
  
• Save some time. Skip the oven step and serve directly from the skillet for a time-saving option. Top it with the reserved cheese and bacon and cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
  
• Give it a boost. Boost nutrition with additional vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or peas. Stir them into the sauce with the spinach.
  
• Try fun variations. Try mushroom, beef, or spinach tortellini, and swap bacon for pancetta, sausage, or rotisserie chicken. You can also use Gruyère or Fontina or add a touch of blue cheese for extra flavor.

How to Store

To keep your tortellini fresh, follow these simple steps.

To Store: Place leftover tortellini in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For the best results, allow the dish to cool completely before storing. Don’t freeze this recipe, as the sauce consistency will break down.

To Reheat: For individual portions, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through or place in a covered oven-safe dish. Heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.