PF
Close-up of tortellini with rich tomato basil sauce on a white plate.
Stovetop~40 minComplexity

Baked Tortellini

This Baked Tortellini delivers 44g protein and 805 calories per serving, making it a calorie-dense option for post-workout meals. With 8 servings prepared on the stovetop in minimal time, it's built for lifters who need substantial portions without daily cooking.

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Ingredients

8 servings
  • Olive oil(30g)

    Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.

  • Yellow Onion(240g)
  • Garlic
  • Italian Pork Sausage(454g)
  • Tomato Paste(30g)
  • Chicken Bouillon, Dry(5g)
  • Tomato, Canned, Crushed
  • Cream, Heavy Whipping(240g)
  • 1½ teaspoons sea salt
  • Kale(960g)
  • Tortellini, Fresh(567g)
  • Mozzarella Cheese(720g)

    Part-skim mozzarella. Pre-shredded bags are convenient for meal prep.

  • Parmesan Cheese

    Grated Parmesan — the shelf-stable canister is fine for cooking.

  • Parsley, Fresh
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. 1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering (about 1–2 minutes). Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. 2Add the garlic and Italian pork sausage to the pot over medium-high heat. Break up the sausage with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink and browned throughout, about 5–7 minutes. Drain off excess fat if needed.
  3. 3Stir in the tomato paste and chicken bouillon, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the kale and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream until fully combined.
  4. 4Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
  5. 5Add the fresh tortellini directly to the pot and stir gently to coat with sauce. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini floats and is heated through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
  6. 6Stir in the part-skim mozzarella until melted and fully incorporated, about 2–3 minutes over medium heat.
  7. 7Divide the tortellini mixture evenly into 8 airtight containers while hot. Allow to cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
  8. 8To serve, reheat a portion in a microwave or stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Top with grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and additional red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition — Per Serving

805

calories

44g

protein

50g

fat

Carbohydrates
47g
Saturated fat
24.2g
Sodium
1389 mg
Dietary fiber
6.9g

8 servings per batch · ~406g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Baked Tortellini have per serving?

Each serving contains 44g of protein and 805 calories, with 50g fat and 47g carbs. This macro split makes it a calorie-dense option that still delivers solid protein content across 8 servings.

How long does Baked Tortellini take to prep?

This recipe is marked as quick prep and yields 8 servings in one batch on the stovetop. You're getting a full week of dinners prepped in minimal active time.

Is Baked Tortellini good for muscle gain?

At 44g protein and 805 calories per serving, this recipe works well during a muscle-building phase when you need caloric surplus paired with adequate protein. The carbohydrate content supports energy for training and recovery.

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