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Maggie’s Monday Meals

By Billy Thompson Feb 1, 2021 | 12:20 PM
oday’s recipe is one of my favorites for a lighter dish that feels like total comfort food. It’s packed with veggies, which add a wonderful freshness — something you don’t often find when the word “casserole” is included.  And one of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to customize to your personal preference! The veggies can be swapped out and if you’d like to add in some protein, that can be done as well.
 
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Tortellini Casserole
Tortellini in Parmesan Cream Sauce with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Brown Eyed Baker
Ingredients
  • 1 package  cheese-filled tortellini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Veggies:
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas
  • 1 cup) sliced carrot (~1 medium-sized)
  • 1 cup ) sliced mushrooms
  • 3/4 cup  sliced  bell peppers
  • 1 cup  sliced and halved summer squash
  • 1 cup  halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup frozen corn
Creamy base:
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons white flour
  • 1/3 cup  vegetable stock or broth
  • 1 cup  1%, 2%, or whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon EACH:  garlic powder, sea salt, freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 teaspoon EACH: dried basil, Italian seasoning
  • 1 package (8 oz )cream cheese
Top it off:
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: fresh basil pesto
Instructions
  • PREP: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to boil.
  • VEGGIE PREP: Trim the snap peas, peel and coin the carrot, thinly slice the mushrooms, peppers, and summer squash; halve the cherry tomatoes.
  • TORTELLINI: When the water boils, add 2 teaspoons salt. Prepare the tortellini according to package directions. In the last two minutes of boiling the tortellini, add in the sugar snap peas and carrots. Drain everything and then transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
  • SAUTE VEGGIES: Meanwhile, over medium-high heat, sauté the mushrooms, peppers, and summer squash in 2 tablespoons olive oil until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Pour over the tortellini, peas, and carrots in the casserole dish. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and frozen corn and gently toss everything to combine.
  • CREAM SAUCE: In a small pot, melt the butter over medium-heat. Once butter is melted, whisk in the flour to create a paste and cook for 1 minute. Gradually and slowly add in the broth and whisk until completely smooth. Gradually, while stirring constantly, add in the milk and whisk until smooth and thickened. Add in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, dried basil, and Italian seasoning. Stir. Meanwhile, soften the cream cheese in the microwave. Once soft, add into cream sauce and whisk briskly until completely smooth and melted. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings adding more salt/pepper if needed.
  • BAKE: Pour the sauce over the veggies and tortellini. Stir gently in the casserole dish and then press into one even layer. Add Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through and cheese is melted on top. Broil for the last 1-2 minutes if desired. Enjoy hot!
Notes
Add Meat or use meat filled tortellini
Make ahead: Prepare this casserole as directed but don’t bake it. Instead, cover and chill up to 24 hours. Bake, covered, in a 350 degrees F oven about 45-55 minutes or until hot.