Easy Baked Cheese Tortellini Alfredo Casserole with Broccoli
A comforting make-ahead pasta casserole that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with creamy Alfredo sauce and nutritious broccoli florets. The dish assembles quickly in one dish and refrigerates overnight, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. Topped with golden Parmesan croutons for added crunch and flavor, this satisfying meal delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. The overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the pasta absorbs the rich sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 16-oz jar Alfredo pasta sauce
- 1 ¼ cups water
- ½ teaspoon dried basil leaves
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 9-oz packages refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
- 1 14-oz package frozen broccoli floretsfresh broccoli florets1:1blanch fresh broccoli first for 2-3 minutes
high
- 1 cup Parmesan croutons, slightly crushedpanko breadcrumbs1:1dairy-freeadds gluten
mix with grated Parmesan and olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Combine Alfredo pasta sauce, water, basil and pepper in large bowl and mix well with wire whisk
- 2
Stir in tortellini and broccoli
- 3
Spoon mixture into ungreased 11x7-inch glass baking dish
- 4
Cover with foil and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight
- 5
Heat oven to 350°F
- 6
Bake covered for 45 minutes
- 7
Uncover baking dish and stir well
- 8
Sprinkle croutons evenly over top
- 9
Cover and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly and thoroughly heated
Tips
Make sure to stir well after the first baking period to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking
Use a glass baking dish as specified for even heating and easy monitoring of doneness
Crush the croutons just slightly to maintain some texture while ensuring they toast properly
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers covered for up to 3 days
Assemble completely and refrigerate overnight before baking as directed
Serve hot directly from baking dish with additional Parmesan if desired
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the overnight refrigeration time or pasta won't absorb sauce properly
Avoid using a metal pan which can cause uneven heating and sticking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
high
medium
FAQ
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, fresh tortellini works well. Use the same amount and follow the same assembly and baking instructions for best results.
What if I don't have Parmesan croutons?
Substitute with panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for similar crunch and flavor.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven.