Sun-drenched tomatoes meet pillowy pasta in this Baked sundried tomato tortellini, a dish that captures the golden warmth of an Italian kitchen. The aroma of garlic and oregano mingling with sweet, concentrated tomatoes creates an immediate sense of comfort. This cheese tortellini bake is wonderfully practical, transforming simple ingredients into a bubbling, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, offering the rich, savory depth of Italian comfort food with minimal effort.

The memory of discovering oil-packed sundried tomatoes in a small Sicilian market still lingers. Their intense, almost caramelized flavor is a treasure I love weaving into my cooking. This particular baked tortellini recipe was inspired by that trip, a happy accident when I needed to feed a hungry family with what I had on hand. It quickly became a requested favorite, much like my Traditional Italian Meatballs or a classic Chicken Parmesan. It’s a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create something truly memorable.

Why This Baked Sundried Tomato Tortellini Wins Hearts

You will adore this dish for its incredible simplicity and profound flavor. The sauce comes together in one pan, and the entire easy pasta bake is assembled in minutes. It delivers a restaurant-quality experience with a creamy, cheesy interior and a perfectly golden top. It’s the ultimate hands-off meal, freeing you to enjoy your company. For more effortless, cheesy bakes, my Cheesy Baked Eggs follow the same principle of simple elegance.

Gathering Your Sundried Tomato Pasta Ingredients

The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of bright, acidic tomatoes and rich, savory cheeses. Using fresh cheese tortellini is key for the best texture, as it holds its shape beautifully while absorbing the sauce. The oil-packed sundried tomatoes impart a deep, fruity complexity that canned tomatoes alone cannot achieve. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth that elevates the entire dish, making each bite of this sundried tomato pasta utterly irresistible.

How to Make Your Perfect Tortellini Bake

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes | Total: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 (19 ounce) package fresh cheese tortellini
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir in sundried tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the fresh tortellini to the simmering sauce, stirring gently to coat. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
7. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.

Delicious Ways to Customize Your Bake

This baked sundried tomato tortellini is wonderfully adaptable. For a heartier meal, fold in cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken with the tortellini. Vegetarians can add a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or roasted vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. If you love a extra kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of chili oil before serving. It’s as versatile as a comforting Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe.

My Tips for Baked Tortellini Perfection

For the best results, always use fresh, not frozen, tortellini to prevent it from becoming mushy. Letting the baked dish rest before serving is non-negotiable; it allows the sauce to thicken and set. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, simply transfer the saucy tortellini to the greased baking dish before adding the cheese topping. For another fantastic one-pan meal, explore my Sheet Pan Lasagna.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

Allow any leftover cheese tortellini bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or place the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the dairy-based sauce may separate upon thawing.

Answering Your Sundried Tomato Pasta Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?

I do not recommend it for this particular baked tortellini recipe. Frozen tortellini releases more water during baking, which can make the sauce too thin and the pasta texture less ideal. Fresh tortellini provides a far superior result.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

The sun-dried tomatoes are essential for the signature deep, sweet-tart flavor. If you must substitute, a tablespoon of tomato paste added with the onions can provide some depth, but the unique flavor profile will be different.

More Crowd-Pleasing Baked Dinners

If you loved this easy pasta bake, you will adore these other comforting recipes from my kitchen.

• Creamy Garlic Pasta
• Spinach Manicotti
• Pepperoni Pizza Burgers
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Why This Baked Sundried Tomato Tortellini Is A Weeknight Hero

With its creamy, cheesy interior and rich, tomato-forward sauce, this bake is the definition of satisfying simplicity. It’s incredibly easy to make from scratch yet always feels like a special occasion meal. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your dinner rotation, bringing warmth and deliciousness to your table with minimal fuss.