Be sure to try my Italian Pasta Salad and Chickpea Salad recipes next!

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Be sure to try my Minestrone Soup recipe next!

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Be sure to serve this with a side of Garlic Bread with Cheese or Biscuits! (more…)

Be sure to serve this with a side of my Garlic Bread with Cheese.

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Be sure to serve this with a side of Garlic Bread with Cheese!

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Be sure to try my One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta next! And Don’t forget a side of Garlic Bread with Cheese.

This is one of those recipes that I just have to “sample” straight from the pan several times as it’s cooking, I’m like an animal. Do I need to make a public announcement about that? Nah. It’s more or less me giving you permission to do the same thing. I mean, the master of the kitchen should always take a little taste test (or seven).

…I like the sound of that, I’m going to start calling myself master of the kitchen. At all times. 📝

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Be sure to try my Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta next!

I have a pretty good collection of Olive Garden Copycat recipes going, and this one is definitely one of my favorites. (Okay, I say that about all of them. You got me.)

You can’t beat the cream sauce in this one. Or the cheese-filled tortellini. …Or the bacon on top.

What to Add to Tortellini Al Forno

In this recipe, I keep it simple and stick to the cream sauce, a little bit of spinach, and some crumbled bacon.

• For Meats, you could add ground sausage, chicken, shrimp, or steak.
• For Veggies, adding mushrooms, asparagus, or diced tomatoes would be delicious!

What is Tortellini Al Forno?

Al Forno = Food that’s baked in the oven. (Seriously. That’s all it means.)

The funny thing is that this particular tortellini recipe has evolved over time to where it’s often times not even baked in the oven anymore. (Kinda funny huh?)

I’ve actually tried baking this in the oven at the end and all that it does is cook the pasta too far past the Al Dente point. And it just adds an extra step, really. Not necessary folks, not necessary.

Storing Leftovers

• Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and used within 3 days. This meal reheats nicely in the microwave.
• You can also freeze leftovers and use them within 3 months. The cream sauce isn’t quite the same consistency as when it’s fresh, but it’s so delicious that you won’t care.

Try These Next!

• Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
• Olive Garden Stuffed Chicken Marsala
• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
• Bobby Flay’s Meatball Recipe

Follow Me!

• Join my free email list! You’ll get just one email a week with my latest recipes!
• Plus, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. I love connecting with you guys. 😊

Rate and Comment!

Did you make this recipe?! Did the information help you? I would love if you would rate the recipe and leave a comment!

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Tortellini Al Forno

This Tortellini Al Forno recipe has cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a rich and creamy garlic Alfredo sauce. It tastes just like Olive Garden's famous dish and is super easy to make!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 531kcal

Author Stephanie

Ingredients

• 20 oz. refrigerated Tortellini (I like “Giovanni Rana” brand, and I prefer cheese stuffed!)
• 6 slices bacon uncooked
• 2 teaspoons garlic minced
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 pint half and half (equivalent to 2 cups), you can sub whole milk.
• Salt/pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup Parmesan shredded
• ¼ Asiago cheese shredded (can also use more Parmesan instead)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• ¾ cup spinach finely shredded (optional)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Use kitchen shears to cut the bacon into 2-3 inch pieces so that they equally cover the pan and cook evenly.
• In a large skillet, (preferably cast iron), cook the bacon slowly on low heat. *Low and slow is best for bacon*.
• Once the bacon is nearly cooked and crisp on each side, cook the tortellini in a large pot according to package instructions. Set aside.
• Remove the cooked bacon from the pan, set aside to cool, and leave 2 Tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan. Keep the heat on low and add the garlic to the pan, cooking for about one minute.
• Increase the heat to medium. Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, until all flour is incorporated and the grease has thickened.
• Gradually add the half and half (keep stirring). Bring the mixture to a boil and add the salt/pepper and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat back to low and stir for about 2 more minutes.
• Add the Parmesan, Asiago, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until well incorporated and thick. Toss in the spinach and the Tortellini and use a rubber spatula to carefully incorporate it into the sauce.
• Once the spinach has wilted (about 1 minute), turn off the heat. Crumble the cooled bacon into smaller pieces and sprinkle over the Tortellini. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 531kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 725mg | Potassium: 176mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 710IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 361mg | Iron: 2.9mg

Be sure to try my sweet cream cheese wontons next!

This fried tortellini is definitely one of my favorite appetizers to date. (And the quickest to disappear at a party, might I add.) Let’s get into some FAQ!

Can You Make These Ahead of Time?

Preparing the breading for this fried tortellini can take a bit of prep time.

Luckily, you can bread these ahead of time and place the breaded tortellini an an airtight container in the fridge the day before you’re ready to fry them up.

Can You Make These in an Air Fryer?

Anything with a breading like this (as opposed to a liquid deep fry batter) works well in an air fryer.

You can also use Ravioli to make this recipe in an air fryer. Check out how it’s done here.

Baking Method

• Yes. To bake these, preheat your oven to 375° and place a greased baking sheet in the heated oven for 5 minutes.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place the breaded tortellini on top. Lightly spread with cooking spray.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, until they’re crisp and begin to toast and brown.
• Remove from the oven and serve with warm marinara!

Try These Next!

• Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons
• Bacon Ranch Cheddar Cheese Ball
• Cowboy Queso
• Baked Potato Slices
• Chinese Chicken Fingers

Follow Me!

• Join my free email list! You’ll get just one email a week with my latest recipes!
• Plus, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. I love connecting with you guys. 😊

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Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites

These Fried Tortellini Bites are surrounded by a crispy Parmesan Crust and make a fantastic appetizer with some warm marinara sauce for dipping!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 377kcal

Author Stephanie

Ingredients

• 9 oz. refrigerated three cheese tortellini see notes for my preferred brand
• 48 oz. Canola oil (6 cups)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
• 2 teaspoons parsley finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup marinara sauce

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Mix together the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
• Cook the tortellini until it’s 1 minute before it’s al-dente. Drain, and coat generously with flour.
• Dip each tortellini into the beaten eggs, and then into the panko mixture.
• Heat the oil in a dutch oven to 375 degrees. You may not need to use all of the canola oil but ensure that the tortellini is covered by an inch or two. 
• If you’re unsure if the oil is the right temperature, put a test piece of tortellini in the oil and ensure that it begins to fry almost immediately, but not too intensely. Cook the tortellini pieces for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. You may have to do this in batches.
• Place on a paper towel, pat dry, and serve with warm marinara sauce!

Video

Notes

Baking Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375° and place a greased baking sheet in the heated oven for 5 minutes.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place the breaded tortellini on top. Lightly spread with cooking spray.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, until they're crisp and begin to toast and brown. 
• Remove from the oven and serve with warm marinara!

BUITONI Refrigerated Three Cheese Tortellini is great with this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 453mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 225IU | Vitamin C: 1.4mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 2.6mg

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