Tortellini Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
4.9
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Servings
6 -8
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Course
Others
Tortellini Mac and Cheese
Description
This recipe uses fresh, frozen, or dried tortellini, preferably spinach and cheese-filled, cooked until just al dente to prevent over-softening during baking. The cheddar cheese sauce is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, gradually adding milk until thickened, then melting shredded sharp cheddar into the sauce. Seasoning with salt and black pepper adjusts the flavor.
The prepared tortellini is folded into the cheese sauce and transferred to a greased casserole dish. Riced cauliflower, softened by steaming or microwaving, forms a nutritious topping that crisps under broiling, adding texture and vegetable content to the dish. Baking for 20 minutes melds flavors and heats the casserole through.
Attention to cooking the tortellini at the minimum time recommended keeps the pasta firm after baking. The dish pairs well with simple sides or a salad for a balanced meal. Leftovers can be reheated gently to maintain the cheese sauce's texture.
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce tortellini fresh, frozen or dried, I used fresh spinach and cheese, package
CHEESE SAUCE
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, extra sharp
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
TOPPING
- 1/2 cauliflower riced, head
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 7 1/2 x 11 1/2 casserole dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
- Cook tortellini in boiling water according to packaged directions. Drain and set aside.
- For cauliflower topping, cut cauliflower in pieces and put in a food processor or blender. Pulverize until it resembles rice. Steam until softened or microwave on hight for 3 minutes. Set aside.
- In a medium sauce pan melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until incorporated. Add milk slowly and continue to whisk as it begins to thicken (approximately 5 minutes). Add cheese and stir until melted and sauce is thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in tortellini into cheese sauce and put in prepared casserole dish. Add riced cauliflower to the top of the casserole and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly. Broil for 1 minute to crisp up the cauliflower topping.
Notes
- Cook tortellini at the minimum time recommended to avoid over-softening during baking.
- Riced cauliflower topping adds a vegetable element and becomes crisp when broiled briefly.
- Use extra sharp cheddar for a richer cheese sauce flavor.
- Grease the casserole dish well to prevent sticking.
- Bake until the cheese sauce is bubbly and the topping lightly browned, then broil carefully to crisp the cauliflower.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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