There’s something undeniably comforting about a baked pasta dish, and this Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts is pure indulgence. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this dish combines rich Gorgonzola, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and crunchy walnuts for a perfect balance of textures and taste. Trust me, this one’s a keeper—every bite is like a cozy hug in a bowl!
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Why You’ll Love Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts
Decadent and Creamy: The luscious Gorgonzola sauce coats every piece of tortellini, making each bite incredibly rich and satisfying.
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this dish comes together effortlessly—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The sharpness of the Gorgonzola pairs beautifully with the slight sweetness of the walnuts and the tender bite of tortellini.
Customizable: Add in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or crispy pancetta to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
This dish is made with just a handful of delicious ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:
Cheese Tortellini: The perfect pasta choice for soaking up all that creamy sauce.
Gorgonzola Cheese: The star ingredient, adding a bold and tangy depth of flavor.
Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Walnuts: Toasted for extra crunch and a hint of nuttiness that complements the cheese.
Garlic: Brings a subtle aromatic touch to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami kick that enhances the overall taste.
Butter: Helps create a silky, smooth sauce.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible dish:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
Cook the Tortellini: Boil the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Gorgonzola cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped toasted walnuts over the top for extra flavor and texture.
Bake to Perfection: Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra walnuts or fresh herbs if desired.
How to Serve Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are some ways to enhance your meal:
Pair with a Fresh Salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Serve with Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce.
Add Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or cherry tomatoes make great side dishes.
Additional Tips
Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts before adding them enhances their flavor and crunch.
Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and has a wonderful texture compared to dried versions.
Adjust the Gorgonzola: If you prefer a milder taste, mix in some cream cheese or reduce the amount of Gorgonzola.
Make Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
FAQ
Q1: Can I substitute another cheese for Gorgonzola?
A1: Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, try using blue cheese, goat cheese, or even brie.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Prepare everything in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q3: What can I use instead of walnuts?
A3: Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work well as substitutes. You can also omit them if you prefer.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Q5: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
A5: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
Q6: What wine pairs best with this dish?
A6: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the flavors beautifully.
Q7: Can I add protein to this dish?
A7: Yes! Grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed mushrooms make great additions.
Q8: How do I reheat leftovers?
A8: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for best results, or microwave in short intervals.
Q9: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A9: Yes! Just cook according to package instructions before adding to the sauce.
Q10: How can I make this dish lighter?
A10: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese amount slightly for a lighter version.
Final Thoughts
This Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts is the ultimate comfort food creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a special gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a truly decadent dish!
Print
Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: North American
Description
This Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish loaded with melty cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this easy tortellini bake is ready in just 40 minutes!
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh/refrigerated tortellini (cooked half the time stated on the package)
- Butter (for greasing the dish)
- 1 large handful spinach
- 1 cup gorgonzola cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a round (8-inch) or rectangular (10×7-inch) casserole dish with butter.
- Boil tortellini for half the amount of time stated on the package, then drain.
- Layer half of the tortellini in the dish, followed by half the spinach, half the walnuts, and half of both cheeses.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortellini, spinach, walnuts, and cheeses.
- Pour the cream over the top, ensuring all the tortellini is coated.
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Serve warm as is or with a side salad. Enjoy!
Notes
- Swap gorgonzola for blue cheese or feta if preferred.
- Add mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for a gooier, sharper taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 748 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg