Introduction
Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure that brings comfort and simplicity to your dinner table! This Sheet Pan Broccoli Tortellini Bake is a vibrant blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender cheese tortellini, crisp broccoli, and juicy cherry tomatoes all baked together with a gooey layer of melted mozzarella cheese on top. It’s the perfect one-pan meal that not only saves on cleanup but also delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is here to make your mealtime deliciously easy.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a large baking sheet, arrange the broccoli florets and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top. Toss everything together until the veggies are nicely coated.
- Roast the vegetables in the oven for 15 minutes, allowing them to caramelize and develop a lovely flavor.
- While the vegetables are roasting, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain, and set them aside.
- After the 15 minutes are up, remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently fold in the cooked tortellini. Pour the marinara sauce over the entire mixture and toss to combine.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a gooey layer that will melt beautifully.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, turning golden brown in places.
- Once baked, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm to enjoy every flavorful bite!
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to the mix for added flavor and nutrition!
- This dish is great for meal prep; just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- If you like a bit of spice, try adding red pepper flakes with the seasonings for a zesty kick.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe utilizes a sheet pan roasting technique, which enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables while keeping everything tender. Tossing the ingredients before roasting ensures that every piece gets that lovely touch of olive oil and seasoning, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Additionally, cooking the tortellini separately allows it to maintain its delightful chewy texture amidst all the deliciously creamy sauce.
FAQ
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes! The recipe is naturally vegetarian, but ensure any marinara sauce you use is meat-free.
- What if I don’t have tortellini? You can use any pasta of your choice, though cooking times may vary slightly.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly before storing.
Conclusion
This Sheet Pan Broccoli Tortellini Bake is not just an easy recipe; it’s a heartfelt meal that brings warmth and joy to your dining table. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish makes satisfying dinners a breeze. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the delightful aromas fill your kitchen—an inviting meal is just around the corner!