This was the star at the potluck, with everyone asking me for the recipe!

Oh, pesto tortellini bake... Trust me when I say that this dish is the ultimate comfort food hug that you absolutely need after a crazy day at work. It's my little twist on the classic Italian flavors, all baked into one bubbly, cheesy masterpiece. There's something about the combination of basil-rich pesto with the creamy goodness of cheese-filled tortellini that just hits the right spot every time. And why might someone want to make this? Because it's quick, uncomplicated, and it's practically a hug in the form of pasta – perfect for when you want something special, but you're also eyeing that pile of laundry that won't fold itself.

Now, when it comes to sides, I like to keep it simple. A crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast, or you could summer it up with some grilled veggies (zucchini is a personal favorite). Sprinkle some garlic bread on the side, and voilà, you've got yourself a meal that'll make anyone swoon.

1 package (about 19 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook Tortellini: Follow the package instructions to cook the frozen cheese tortellini. Typically, this involves boiling them in salted water until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set them aside.

Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the basil pesto. Make sure the tortellini are evenly coated with pesto. Then, gently stir in the halved cherry tomatoes.

Assemble the Bake: Transfer the tortellini mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Protein Addition: To make the dish more substantial, consider adding a protein source. Cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp can be excellent additions. Simply mix them in with the tortellini and pesto before baking.

Vegetable Boost: Incorporate more vegetables to add color and nutrition. Spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini can be mixed in with the tortellini. If you're using vegetables that release water (like zucchini), you might want to sauté them first to remove some of the moisture.

Different Pesto: While basil pesto is the classic choice, you can experiment with other types of pesto for a different flavor profile. Sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or even a walnut pesto can provide a unique twist.

Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses for the topping. While mozzarella is great for a melty texture, adding a bit of smoked provolone, Gouda, or even blue cheese can introduce new flavors.

Crunchy Topping: For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter on top before baking. This will add a nice crunch to the dish.