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Cheesy Pumpkin Tortellini Bake

Featured in Meals That Make the Table Happy.

This cheesy pumpkin tortellini bake is the ultimate comfort food for fall. Soft tortellini is covered in a creamy pumpkin sauce made with mozzarella, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses. Red pepper flakes give just enough heat, while baking creates a golden, bubbly top layer that makes every bite a gooey and slightly spicy delight. It’s hearty, warm, and full of seasonal flavors everyone will love.
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Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:30:35 GMT
A cheesy baked pasta dish with creamy pumpkin sauce, topped with herbs. Pin it
A cheesy baked pasta dish with creamy pumpkin sauce, topped with herbs. | mecooking.com

Fall in love with our cozy Fiery Triple Cheese Pumpkin Tortellini Bake. This hearty meal brings together smooth pumpkin, gooey cheese, and a touch of heat for your next dinner. Our tortellini gets drenched in a velvety mix of heavy cream, pumpkin, and a trio of cheeses - mozzarella, parmesan, and romano. The jalapeños and red pepper flakes pack a punch that balances the creaminess perfectly. Let's check out what makes this dish so darn good!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

  • 20 oz three cheese tortellini: Forms the soft, cheesy foundation of our dish.
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil: Helps cook down the onions and garlic for flavor.
  • 1 small yellow onion (thinly sliced): Brings a gentle sweetness to the mix.
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced): Adds that can't-miss savory aroma.
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream: Makes everything deliciously rich and silky.
  • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree: Delivers that fall flavor and smooth texture we're after.
  • 1 1/4 cups shredded cheese mix (Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano): Melts into ooey-gooey perfection.
  • 1 tsp dry jalapeño peppers: Kicks in some smoky heat.
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste): Brings a nice warmth to cut through the richness.
  • Salt to taste: Perks up all the other flavors.
  • Additional cheese for topping: Creates that irresistible golden crust.

THE PROCESS

Step 1:
Boil the tortellini following package directions until barely tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2:
Get your oven going at 350°F and lightly coat an 8x8 baking dish with oil.
Step 3:
Warm the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Toss in those sliced onions and cook until they're soft, around 4-5 minutes.
Step 4:
Throw in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until you can really smell it.
Step 5:
Gradually add the heavy cream while stirring. Once it's warm, mix in the pumpkin puree, dry jalapeños, red pepper flakes, and salt. Keep stirring until everything's smooth and hot.
Step 6:
Let the sauce simmer gently but don't let it bubble up. Add the cheese mix and stir until it's completely melted and the sauce looks velvety. Take it off the heat.
Step 7:
Mix the cooked tortellini into your sauce, making sure each pasta pocket gets a good coating. Pour it all into your prepared dish.
Step 8:
Sprinkle more cheese on top and bake for 13-15 minutes until it's bubbling and the cheese has turned golden. Serve it up while it's hot.

How to Serve & Store

  • This Fiery Triple Cheese Pumpkin Tortellini Bake tastes best served piping hot. Top with some fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.
  • Goes great with a light green salad or some crusty bread on the side.
  • Got leftovers? They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Just warm them up when you're ready to eat.
  • Want to freeze it? Let it cool down completely first, then put it in a freezer container. It'll stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw in your fridge overnight before warming it up again.

Pro Chef Suggestions

  • Chef Giada De Laurentiis says a tiny bit of nutmeg in the sauce makes all the flavors pop.
  • Chef Rachael Ray likes using Gruyère mixed with sharp cheddar for an even tastier sauce.

MIX IT UP

  • Need gluten-free? Swap in GF tortellini and double-check your other ingredients.
  • Try butternut squash instead of pumpkin for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Want protein? Mix in some browned Italian sausage or crispy bacon bits before baking.

Cheesy Pumpkin Tortellini Bake

Cheesy Pumpkin Tortellini Bake is a warm mix of pumpkin, rich cheese, and a touch of spice, perfect for cozy nights.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Mariana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 20 oz of your favorite tortellini (try three cheese or any other flavor).
02 1 small yellow onion, sliced thin.
03 1 1/4 cups of rich heavy cream.
04 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (add more if you like it spicier).
05 2 Tbsp of olive oil.
06 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
07 1 1/4 cups of shredded cheese (use Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, or any combo you like).
08 2/3 cup smooth pumpkin puree.
09 A pinch of salt, or as much as you need.
10 1 tsp of dried jalapeño flakes.
11 Extra cheese to sprinkle on top.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm the olive oil in a saucepot over medium heat. Toss in the onion slices and cook them until they turn soft.

Step 02

Pour the heavy cream into the pot and heat it up slowly. Stir in the pumpkin puree, jalapeños, salt, and red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until it’s creamy and smooth.

Step 03

Follow the directions on the tortellini package to prepare them. Drain when they’re done and set aside for later.

Step 04

Throw the garlic into the pot with the onions and cook it for a couple of minutes, just until you can smell it.

Step 05

On low heat, let the cheese mix melt slowly into the sauce. Don’t let it boil—just stir until everything blends together.

Step 06

Set your oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8 dish lightly.

Step 07

Gently mix the cooked tortellini into the cheesy sauce, making sure everything gets coated evenly.

Step 08

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 13 to 15 minutes. Pull it out when the cheese is bubbly and gooey on top.

Step 09

Scoop the tortellini and sauce into your greased dish and sprinkle plenty of extra cheese over it.

Notes

  1. This creamy, slightly spicy dish is a warm comfort meal that pairs well with any tortellini flavor.
  2. Want it extra spicy? Double up on the jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

Tools You'll Need

  • A medium-sized sauce pot.
  • An 8x8 inch dish for baking.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 600
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 24 g