Baked Tortellini Casserole

The baked tortellini casserole is a tasty and hearty dish, perfect for special occasions or a family dinner. It is a baked variant of the classic tortellini in broth dish typical of Emilian cuisine and has the advantage of being prepared in advance. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 500 g fresh tortellini (filled with meat or cheese, according to preference)
• 250 ml ready-made or homemade béchamel
• 150 g diced cooked ham
• 100 g grated parmesan
• 200 g mozzarella or fontina cut into cubes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Nutmeg to taste (optional)
• Butter for greasing the baking dish

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the times indicated on the package, usually a few minutes for fresh ones. Drain them al dente and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the béchamel if you have chosen to make it at home. Melt a couple of tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, add two tablespoons of flour and toast for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously. Pour in 250 ml of hot milk in a thin stream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle boil until the sauce thickens.
4. Take a baking dish and lightly grease it with butter.
5. Arrange a layer of tortellini on the bottom of the dish, sprinkle with some of the cooked ham, mozzarella and parmesan. Pour over some béchamel.
6. Add a second layer of tortellini and repeat the process until all ingredients are used, making sure to finish with a layer of béchamel and parmesan.
7. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the surface is golden and crispy.
8. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Fun Fact

Although the tortellini casserole is a reinterpretation of classic tortellini, the latter does not lose its elegance and richness of flavor – it is a tribute to filled pasta that always wins over every palate.