Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Bake

by

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — this one-skillet tortellini bake is pure comfort food bliss!

Italian cuisine is beloved for its richness in flavor, simplicity in ingredients, and ability to bring people together around the table. One such recipe that exemplifies these qualities is the Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Bake. This dish is a celebration of bold textures and tastes—featuring pillowy cheese-stuffed tortellini, crisp pancetta, sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, juicy grape tomatoes, earthy spinach, and a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce. Finished under the broiler with melted mozzarella, this dish is everything comfort food should be: rich, hearty, and soul-satisfying.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or looking to impress at your next dinner gathering, this skillet bake is both approachable and gourmet. Below, we explore everything you need to know about this recipe—from ingredients and preparation to expert tips and nutritional info. Let’s dive into Tuscan magic.

 Ingredients (Serves 4)

To make the Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients. All measurements are provided using standard US measuring cups.

  • 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

  • 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped (about ⅔ cup), plus 2 tbsp oil from the jar

  • 2 oz pancetta, finely chopped

  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 oz)

  • 3 cups fresh spinach (about 3 oz)

  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella, torn

  • Kosher salt, to taste

  • Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

 Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

  • Calories: Approximately 818 kcal per serving

 Step-by-Step Instructions

 Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. Cook the tortellini until they’re 2 minutes shy of fully done, according to package directions. This prevents overcooking since they’ll finish cooking in the skillet.

  3. Reserve ¾ cup of pasta water before draining.

  4. Drain the tortellini, and toss them with 2 tablespoons of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.

Tip: If you’re using frozen tortellini, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to boiling time.

 Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base

  1. Start with a cold large skillet—this helps render the fat from the pancetta more effectively.

  2. Add chopped pancetta and set heat to medium.

  3. Cook until golden and crispy, about 10–12 minutes.

  4. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grape tomatoes.

  5. Sauté until the tomatoes begin to soften and blister, about 5 minutes.

  6. Add sliced garlic and oregano. Stir constantly and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Optional: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a kick right here!

 Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

  1. Pour in ½ cup heavy cream and the reserved ¾ cup pasta water.

  2. Stir well to combine, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3–4 minutes. The sauce will begin to thicken slightly.

  3. Gradually stir in ¾ cup grated Parmesan, letting it melt completely to form a creamy, rich sauce.

If you want a silkier texture, stir in an extra tablespoon of cream.

 Step 4: Add Tortellini and Spinach

  1. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet.

  2. Stir gently to coat in the creamy sauce.

  3. Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts, about 2 minutes.

Don’t over-stir or the tortellini may break apart. Fold ingredients gently.

 Step 5: Finish with Mozzarella & Broil

  1. Preheat your oven broiler to high.

  2. Tear 4 oz fresh mozzarella into chunks and scatter over the top of the skillet mixture.

  3. Place the skillet under the broiler and broil for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden in spots.

  4. Remove from oven carefully.

Watch closely—broilers can burn cheese quickly. Don’t walk away!

Step 6: Serve It Up

  1. Garnish with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and a sprinkle of fresh oregano if desired.

  2. Serve hot straight from the skillet with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple arugula salad.

 Tips for Perfect Tuscan Tortellini

  • Pancetta Substitution: Swap pancetta with bacon if that’s what you have on hand. Just finely dice and follow the same process.

  • Make it Vegetarian: Skip the pancetta and double the spinach or add sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.

  • Add Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, Italian sausage, or grilled shrimp to bulk up the dish.

  • Pasta Variations: While tortellini is the star, you can use ravioli or even gnocchi in a pinch.

  • Make it Spicy: For a fiery version, add 1 tsp of Calabrian chili paste or extra crushed pepper flakes.

  • Cheese Upgrade: Try a mix of mozzarella and fontina, or burrata for extra creamy results.

 Suggested Side Dishes

  • Garlic Bread with Herbed Butter

  • Simple Caesar Salad with Parmesan Crisp

  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

  • Chilled White Wine or Sparkling Lemon Water

 Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.

Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces tend to separate upon thawing.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet for easy prep and cleanup.

  • Restaurant Quality: Rich flavors and textures give it a gourmet finish.

  • Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this cheesy, creamy combination.

  • Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to suit vegetarian or spicier preferences.

  • Make-Ahead: Prepare up to Step 4, cover and chill, then bake when ready.

Final Thoughts

Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Bake is a dish that effortlessly blends rustic Italian charm with modern comfort food appeal. It’s hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. The layers of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, pancetta, garlic, and creamy cheese all come together in a symphony of taste that feels indulgent yet approachable.

Try it once, and you’ll find it becoming a regular feature in your recipe rotation. With flexibility in ingredients and fail-proof steps, this recipe is a celebration of how simple ingredients can produce magical results.

Leave a Comment