Every one of my Italian friends and family, have a version of this dish in their recipe book, and I, am no exception. The aroma is delightful, and makes you feel like you are getting a big hug, with each, delicious mouthful.
In our house, this is a leftover meal. *LOL*. I always have pasta sauces, either half containers from other meals, or frozen. There is always mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. *In my case, we use Locatelli, Pecorino Romano Cheese on our table, exclusively. (That is just personal preference though.) And there is always pasta.
These are all Italian staples, and ingredients are usually on hand.
It is quick, easy and outrageously delicious. Even the pickiest of palettes will not be denied.
The key to this meal, is the balance of the ingredients, so that nothing overpowers the delicious stuffed pieces of pasta. Even with the use of all the cheese's involved, the meal is still light. *Remember to taste as you go*, and don't be afraid to "stray" if you get inspired. That's how you learn what ingredients blend well with each other.
As with every Pasta meal, you can't go wrong with a crusty Italian Bread, and a light salad.
Prep. Time: 15 min. Cook Time: 15 - 20 min. Servings: 3
Ingredients:
1 bag of frozen cheese filled Tortellini (16oz.)
1 jar of Alfredo sauce - about 12 oz.
1/3 jar of Marinara/Tomato sauce - about 4 oz.
1 Tbsp. dried Basil
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/2 Cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 Cup grated Parmesan Cheese
salt and pepper to taste
All the ingredients are subject to greater or lesser amounts, (Except the tortellini) depending on your personal taste preferences. When I make this dish, many times I make my own Alfredo Sauce, and usually, there is frozen homemade pasta sauce in the freezer. (Thanks to my husband, who doesn't know how to cook, unless it's in massive quantities.) Use your eye when you mix the sauces. Look for the color of the sauce you see. Add more or less. ***Taste the sauce before you pour it over the tortellini***, and adjust it, if you want to taste more of something.
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Bring 5qts. Salted Water to a rolling boil, and cook the Tortellini, according to package directions. .
While pasta is cooking, in a microwaveable bowl, mix the Alfredo sauce and Marinara sauce together. (The mixture should be light pink in color)
Add Basil and Garlic Powder.
Mix well
Taste for salt and pepper
Heat the sauce mixture to a near boil in microwave,
Shred mozzarella cheese
In an 8x8 square baking dish, put Tortellini, and Pasta Sauce, and mix well.
Add shredded Mozzarella Cheese on top
Add Parmesan. cheese on top of that
Place in oven, and Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, until cheese is nice and bubbly.
Remove from oven, and Serve Immediately!!!
I served this with Italian Bread and a light Cucumber Salad
Delicious!!!
NOW ENJOY!!!
