There are not many meals that are easier than this one, which transforms prepared tortellini and marinara sauce into a rich, savory, comfort-food meal. Just add a salad and you’re done.

　　

Ingredients

4 to 6 servings

　　Olive oil

　　2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade; see page 224)

　　1/3 cup mascarpone cheese

　　1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

　　2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

　　1 pound purchased cheese tortellini

　　2 ounces thinly sliced smoked mozzarella

　　1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil an 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish or 4 individual gratin dishes.

　　

Step 2

Whisk the marinara sauce, mascarpone cheese, parsley, and thyme in a large bowl to blend. Cook the tortellini in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Add the tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat.

　　

Step 3

Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish or dishes. Top with the smoked mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish or dishes with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered until the sauce bubbles and the cheeses on top melt, about 10 minutes longer.

　　Everyday Pasta