Baked Tortellini

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Nutty-flavored fontina cheese gives this homey baked tortellini casserole a real taste twist and the cheesy breadcrumb topping makes it all but irresistible. You can easily double this recipe and make one for today and an extra to pop in the freezer for a heat-and-eat meal someday in the future.

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Cook Time:
25 mins
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 ½ cups low-fat milk, heated

  • 1/2 cup grated fontina cheese, divided

  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

  • 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini, preferably low-fat (see Tip)

  • ¼ cup fine dry breadcrumbs

  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 6 individual gratin dishes or a 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish with cooking spray. Put a large pot of water on to boil for cooking pasta.

  2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes. Add hot milk and bring to a simmer, whisking, until smooth and slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup fontina and nutmeg, stirring to melt the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Meanwhile, cook tortellini until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse well.

  4. Combine the tortellini with the cheese sauce and toss. Transfer to the prepared dishes or baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup fontina. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan and sprinkle evenly over the tortellini.

  5. Bake the tortellini until golden and bubbly, 15 to 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

Tips

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 4; cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Equipment: 6 individual gratin dishes or a 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish

Storage smarts: For long-term freezer storage, wrap your food in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. The plastic will help prevent freezer burn while the foil will help keep off-odors from seeping into the food.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, November 1997

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

366 Calories
12g Fat
46g Carbs
17g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 366
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 17g 35%
Total Fat 12g 16%
Saturated Fat 6g 29%
Cholesterol 49mg 16%
Vitamin A 406IU 8%
Folate 109mcg 27%
Sodium 584mg 25%
Calcium 315mg 24%
Iron 2mg 8%
Magnesium 32mg 8%
Potassium 241mg 5%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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