Ingredients with Measurements:
-1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
-1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
-1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
-1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
-1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
-9x13-inch baking dish
-Large saucepan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the tortellini in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
5. Layer the remaining tortellini over the cheese. Top with the remaining ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: 6-8
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 16g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
-For the ricotta cheese, you can substitute cottage cheese or cream cheese.
-For the Parmesan cheese, you can substitute any hard cheese such as Asiago or Romano.
-For the parsley, you can substitute fresh basil or oregano.
Variations:
-For a vegetarian version, omit the Parmesan cheese and use vegan cheese instead.
-For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
-For a creamier version, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
Tips and Tricks:
-To make sure the tortellini is cooked through, taste a piece before adding it to the baking dish.
-To prevent the cheese from burning, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes of baking.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
-Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
-Serve with a side of marinara sauce.
Garnishes:
-Fresh parsley or basil
-Shredded Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
-A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
-A light red wine such as Pinot Noir or Merlot
Suggested Side Dishes:
-Garlic bread
-Salad
-Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
-If the cheese is not melting, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
-Make sure all ingredients are stored at the proper temperature.
-Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food History:
Tortellini is a type of Italian pasta that originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is traditionally filled with a mixture of meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a creamy, cheesy flavor with hints of nutmeg and garlic.
Serving Suggestions:
-Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
-Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
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Region: Italian