Tortellini Mac & Cheese

Tortellini Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender, cheese-filled tortellini, it’s like your favorite mac & cheese leveled up—perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love!

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You’re going to love Tortellini Mac & Cheese because it takes everything you adore about classic mac & cheese and makes it even better! Imagine tender, cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a rich, creamy cheese sauce—it’s pure comfort food heaven.

Whether you’re serving it as an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a potluck, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to whip up and bursting with cheesy goodness in every bite. Perfect for when you need a little extra coziness on your plate!

Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Fresh or Frozen Tortellini: The base of the dish, filled with cheese or your favorite fillings. Fresh tortellini cooks faster, but frozen works just as well for a convenient option.
• Butter: Creates the base for the creamy roux, adding richness to the cheese sauce.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce to coat the tortellini perfectly. You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the cheese sauce. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half.
• Whole Milk: Balances the creaminess while keeping the sauce smooth. You can substitute with 2% milk, but avoid skim for best results.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the sauce without overpowering the cheese.
• Dijon Mustard: Enhances the cheese flavor with a slight tang, taking the sauce to the next level.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the richness of the cheese. Adjust to taste depending on the saltiness of your cheeses.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce, providing a classic, gooey cheese flavor. Medium or sharp cheddar works best.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds an extra layer of bold, tangy cheese flavor to complement the creamy cheddar.

How to Make Tortellini Mac and Cheese

[Step 1] Cook the Tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

[Step 2] In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

[Step 3] Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk and bring the mixture to a simmer until it starts to thicken.

[Step 4] Reduce the heat and mix in the mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Add the shredded cheese, a little at a time, stirring until the cheese melts.

[Step 5] Add the tortellini to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Serve immediately.

Recipe Variations & Optional Toppings

• Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky, salty crunch.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Add a layer of buttery, toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture. Panko works great!
• Mixed Cheeses: Swap or add other cheeses like gruyere, parmesan, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique flavors.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach to add some greens to the dish.
• Protein Additions: Stir in cooked chicken, ground beef, or diced ham for a heartier meal.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle sriracha on top for heat lovers.
• Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or chives for a burst of freshness and color.
• Truffle Oil: Drizzle a little truffle oil on top for a luxurious, earthy flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, slightly sweet twist.
• Caramelized Onions: Mix in caramelized onions for a sweet and savory depth of flavor.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle some on top for a fun, flavorful crunch.

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