Crispy Baked Tortellini 🍝✨

This delightful dish transforms classic tortellini into a crispy, crunchy snack that everyone will love! Perfect for a party or as a cozy weeknight meal, the combination of seasoned breadcrumbs and gooey cheese filling creates an irresistible bite. Pair it with your favorite marinara for dipping and get ready to impress your family and friends! 🍅🤤

Ingredients

For the tortellini

• 1 package (9 oz) of refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch!)
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
• 1/4 cup of olive oil

For the dipping sauce

• 1 cup of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cook the tortellini: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 3-5 minutes) until they are al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.

🥄 Making sure the tortellini are not overcooked is key! They will continue to cook slightly in the oven, so keep them firm.

3. Prepare the coating: In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.

4. Coat the tortellini: Drizzle the olive oil over the cooked tortellini, then toss gently to coat. Next, roll each tortellini in the breadcrumb mixture until well covered.

5. Bake: Place the coated tortellini on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

🔍 For extra crispiness, flip the tortellini halfway through the baking time.

6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Variations

• Veggie Delight: Add some finely chopped spinach or roasted red peppers to the cheese tortellini before coating for a burst of flavor and color! 🥬
• Meat Lovers: Swap out cheese tortellini for meat-filled tortellini like sausage or chicken. This gives an extra protein punch to the dish! 🍗
• Cheesy Addition: Melt some mozzarella cheese on top of the tortellini during the last 5 minutes of baking for even cheesier goodness! 🧀
• Gluten-free: Substitute regular tortellini with gluten-free varieties and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.

Now gather your loved ones and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite of this scrumptious dish! 😍