Warm, hearty, this rustic dish is the perfect recipe to ease you into fall cooking.

Super quick and insanely delicious, this 5 Ingredient Tortellini Bake is a classic dinner that’s ready in less than thirty minutes. There’s nothing I love more than a good weeknight pasta, and this one does not disappoint. Not only that, but I’m all about taking store-bought ingredients like refrigerated tortellini and making them my own—taking them from boxed to bougie!

With a deliciously rich ground turkey marinara sauce, a hint of pesto, and a generous coating of mozzarella, this deceptively simple dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that’s both easy and comforting, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious in a hurry.

Related: Marry Me Creamy Chicken Pasta + 5 Ingredient Boursin Cheese Pasta

Why this 5 Ingredient Tortellini Bake is an Atha family favorite!

Let me tell you, I’ve made this tortellini bake more times than I can count, and every single time, my family is asking for seconds. It’s one of those easy weeknight meals that somehow always makes its way into the regular dinner rotation. The tortellini cooks up perfectly, soaking up the rich marinara and creamy pesto sauce. And let’s not forget that melted mozzarella cheese—every bite is like a warm hug from the inside out.

Ingredients you’ll need for this Easy Tortellini Recipe

This recipe is all about simple ingredients—the kind you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

Refrigerated tortellini
Ground turkey (or ground beef, if you prefer)
Marinara sauce
Pesto
Mozzarella cheese

The full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!

You can watch a step-by-step video of this recipe on The Savvy Spoon Instagram, here!

Here’s how you’ll make my 5 Ingredient Tortellini Bake:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brown the ground turkey by heating 1 tbsp of oil in a pan, then cook the ground turkey until it’s no longer pink. Set it aside.
In a deep-sided pan or Dutch oven, spray the bottom with cooking spray, then add the tortellini, browned ground turkey, and marinara sauce. Stir to combine.
Add in water, then top with spoonfuls of pesto.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, then cover the pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the cover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Let it cool slightly, then enjoy! This makes for great leftovers as well.

Savvy tips for making the best Tortellini Bake!

Use your favorite ingredients: I always recommend using the best-quality mozzarella cheese and pesto you can find. It really elevates the flavor of the dish.
Customize it: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or meats—Italian sausage or ground beef are great options if you want to change things up.
Let it rest before serving – Giving your tortellini bake a few minutes to cool before digging in helps everything set up, making it easier to scoop and serve. Plus, no burned tongues!

Storing and reheating

This tortellini bake stores beautifully. Just transfer any cooked tortellini to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you’ve got options:

Oven: Reheat in a large skillet or baking dish at medium heat until bubbly and golden. For an extra creamy texture, stir in a splash of milk or a little olive oil before baking.
Microwave: If you’re short on time, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.

Leftovers are a great way to enjoy this meal the next day, and honestly, it might taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

Try these variations

Switch up the pasta! Cheese tortellini, spinach tortellini—use whatever sounds good.
Swap the protein. Italian sausage adds extra heartiness and a little kick.
Add some greens. Fresh basil or baby spinach brings a pop of flavor (and some color).
Turn up the heat. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some sun-dried tomatoes add a spicy, tangy punch.

Sides to pair with your Baked Tortellini:

FAQs

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time, cover it with aluminum foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven for the recommended time. If baking straight from the fridge, you may need to add an additional 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and double-check that your marinara sauce and pesto are also gluten-free.

Yes, you can make this tortellini bake vegetarian by swapping out the ground turkey for a plant-based protein or just adding extra veggies. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would work great

as a substitute for meat!

Yes! There are plenty of great dairy-free mozzarella alternatives available. Just swap the mozzarella for your favorite dairy-free version and ensure that the pesto you use is also dairy-free if you’re following a dairy-free diet.

As a busy person, I’m always looking for recipes that are not only delicious but also quick and simple. This easy dinner idea checks both boxes! The best part? It’s made with minimal ingredients, meaning I don’t need to make a special trip to the store. The tortellini and marinara sauce are readily available in the pasta aisle, and the pesto can be found at most grocery stores.

It’s a perfect meal when you’re pressed for time but want something comforting and filling that the whole family will love. Whether you serve it with a simple side salad or some crispy garlic bread, this tortellini bake will become a staple in your weeknight dinner lineup.

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