Cheesy Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli

Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to whip up for those cozy nights in? Look no further than this delectable Tasty Bacon Tortellini Bake Broccoli recipe! Picture fluffy cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, and tender bites of broccoli all swimming in a pool of melty cheese sauce—it’s a dish that brings together simple ingredients for a truly satisfying dinner experience.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser, disappearing quickly at potlucks and family dinners alike. The combination of creamy cheese, savory bacon, and vibrant broccoli creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—switch up ingredients like ham or pancetta for the bacon, or swap spinach for the broccoli to cater to your preferences.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this Tasty Bacon Tortellini Bake Broccoli recipe is a winner. Plus, with tips on how to freeze and reheat it, you can enjoy this delicious casserole anytime you’re craving a comforting meal that’s both convenient and mouthwatering. So get ready to indulge in a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire!

Quick Benefits

• Cozy combo of fluffy cheese tortellini, crunchy bacon, and soft bites of broccoli
• Super adaptable, easy to customize with ingredients on hand
• Can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for future meals
• Perfect for gatherings and potlucks, always a crowd-pleaser

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli Recipe

• Cozy combo of fluffy cheese tortellini, crunchy bacon, and soft bites of broccoli in a melty cheese sauce
• Easy weeknight dinner that feels fancy but uses common ingredients
• Highly adaptable – swap ingredients based on what you have on hand
• Broccoli shines in the cheesy sauce, even appealing to picky eaters
• Great for potlucks – always a crowd-pleaser with no leftovers
• Make ahead and freeze options for convenient meal prep
• Versatile dish – pairs well with salad, bread, roasted veggies, or a glass of wine
• Classic Italian American comfort food perfect for cozy holiday spreads
• Endless variations with different veggies, meats, or cheeses to suit your taste
• Dish always disappears fast at gatherings, leaving everyone wanting the recipe

Ingredients for Cheesy Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli

Main

• 20 oz pack of chilled cheese tortellini
• Broccoli florets, cut small (about 2 cups)

Protein

• 6 bacon slices, cut into bite-size pieces

Sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian herb mix
• 2 cups milk
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped up
• 1 tablespoon regular flour
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, coarse
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Cheese

• 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella, split
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, split

Pro Tips for Cheesy Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli

Pro tip: For extra flavorful bacon, cook it slowly on medium heat until it’s super crunchy. Rest the cooked bacon on a paper towel to soak up any extra fat before tossing it into the dish. This will give the bacon a perfect crispy texture and prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

Pro tip: To ensure the tortellini is perfectly cooked, follow the cooking time instructions on the packet. Once the tortellini is ready, incorporate it into the dish for a delicious and satisfying meal. This will guarantee that the pasta is cooked just right and maintains its ideal texture in the bake.

Pro tip: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on what you have on hand. Swap out broccoli for peas or cauliflower for a similar bite with a fresh twist. Opt for provolone or a gentle cheddar cheese for a creamy melt that blends well with the other flavors in the dish. This flexibility allows you to create variations of this cheesy tortellini bake to suit your preferences and pantry staples.

How to Make Cheesy Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli

Step 1: Oven Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Cook Tortellini and Broccoli

Boil tortellini, add broccoli for 2 minutes, then drain.

Step 3: Prepare Bacon

Cook bacon chunks in a large pan over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve a spoonful of bacon grease in the pan and discard the excess.

Step 4: Create Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add chopped garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Incorporate flour, herbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Gradually pour in milk while whisking. Cook until bubbling, stirring to prevent sticking. Simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan until melted.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Combine drained tortellini, broccoli, and bacon with the sauce. Transfer mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Bake uncovered for approximately 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Tasty Bacon Tortellini Bake Broccoli, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply cover the dish and chill it until you’re ready to enjoy it again. To reheat, you can either bake it covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

If you want to freeze the tortellini bake, assemble it in a freezer-safe pan but do not bake it yet. Add the cheese topping, then freeze the unbaked dish. When you’re ready to eat it, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it as usual until it’s nice and bubbly. This make-ahead method allows you to have a delicious meal on hand for up to 2 months, perfect for busy days or planned gatherings.

To customize this dish further, you can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Consider using chopped ham or pancetta instead of bacon, spinach instead of broccoli, or different cheese combinations like provolone and mozzarella for variety. Experiment with different veggies and proteins throughout the seasons to create a unique and flavorful tortellini bake each time you make it.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch up the protein in this dish, consider using chopped ham or American-style pancetta instead of bacon. These options will still provide a salty bite that complements the cheesy tortellini bake. Additionally, if you’re out of broccoli, spinach can be a great substitute. The spinach will add a pop of color and flavor to the dish while still pairing well with the other ingredients.

For a different cheese combination, try using provolone or a gentle cheddar in place of the mozzarella and Parmesan. These cheeses will melt beautifully and add their own unique flavors to the dish. Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties to customize the taste to your liking. Lastly, if you need to make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free flour and swap in any nondairy milk of your choice. This easy substitution allows you to enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of the cheesy tortellini bake.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting this Tasty Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli in individual mini cast-iron skillets for a charming and rustic touch. The personal-sized portions add a fun and interactive element to your meal, allowing guests to enjoy their own bubbling hot dish straight from the oven. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete the cozy comfort food experience.

Another serving idea is to elevate this dish by garnishing each portion of the Bacon Tortellini Bake with a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots for added texture and flavor. The crunchy shallots will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese sauce and tender tortellini, creating a more sophisticated and gourmet presentation. Serve this delicious bake with a glass of your favorite white wine to complement the richness of the dish and indulge in a luxurious dining experience.

FAQs for Cheesy Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes! You can substitute the cheese tortellini with any pasta of your choice. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you use.

Can I replace the broccoli with a different vegetable?

Definitely! You can swap the broccoli with vegetables like peas, cauliflower, spinach, or asparagus for a different flavor profile.

What other cheese options can I use in this recipe?

You can use provolone, cheddar, or any other melty cheese you prefer instead of mozzarella and Parmesan. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination.

Can I prepare the dish ahead of time and bake it later?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish but refrain from baking it. Keep it refrigerated, then bake it when you’re ready to enjoy a fresh and bubbly tortellini bake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Tasty Bacon Tortellini Bake Broccoli recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to disappear quickly, leaving everyone asking for the recipe. The combination of cheesy tortellini, crispy bacon, and tender broccoli in a creamy sauce is simply irresistible.

Feel free to customize this dish to your liking by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite vegetables and cheeses. The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for using up ingredients you have on hand or catering to different dietary preferences. Remember, this casserole can be made ahead of time, frozen, and reheated for a convenient and delicious meal anytime.

So next time you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dish that everyone will love, give this Tasty Bacon Tortellini Bake Broccoli a try. It’s a foolproof recipe that never disappoints and always brings smiles to the table. Enjoy every cheesy, bacon-filled bite!