Meet Baked Cheese Tortelloni, Home of the Ultimate Cheese Pull
As summer winds down and back-to-school routines take over, quick, comforting meals become more important than ever. In fact, new Noodles & Company research found that nearly two-thirds of parents say meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking add to their mental load during the busy season.
That's where Baked Cheese Tortelloni comes in. Arriving just in time for comfort food season, our newest limited-time menu item is everything you want in a cozy fall meal, from its rich marinara and cheese-filled tortelloni to those irresistible, Instagram-worthy cheese pulls. Baked until golden and bubbling, it's the kind of comfort food that helps take one thing off your plate while putting something warm and delicious on the table.
With 66% of parents saying they miss being able to enjoy a relaxing meal with their families, Baked Cheese Tortelloni offers an easy way to gather around the table over a satisfying dinner everyone can enjoy.
We caught up with our Vice President of Culinary, Tina Massey, to get the inside scoop on how this craveable new dish came to life.
How did Baked Cheese Tortelloni Come to Be?
Coming up with ideas for new limited time menu items for Noodles & Company is no small feat. There is balance that must be achieved between being both approachable as well as intriguing, especially when appealing to families with varied tastes. “We know our guests love comforting, cheesy pasta dishes,” Massey said. “So, we wanted to create something that feels familiar while bringing a new experience to the menu.”
The Baked Cheese Tortelloni is undeniably our most comforting dish yet. It features perfect pillowy three-cheese tortelloni on a bed of marinara sauce that is lightly seasoned with our inimitable Italian seasoning and then is covered in a blanket of mozzarella. This masterpiece is then baked until golden and bubbling.
“Guests are looking for meals that feel satisfying, familiar, and indulgent,” Massey explained. “Comfort food offers a sense of warmth and nostalgia, and baked pasta is a great example of a dish that delivers on those cravings while still feeling like a quality meal.”
What Makes the Baked Cheese Tortelloni Special?
The Baked Cheese Tortelloni is not just our cheesiest endeavor. This pasta dish is elevated by the cooking method it requires and earns the title of the second baked item we have ever had on the Noodles & Company Menu, following the Baked Chicken Parmesan. “Baking the tortelloni gives it a rich, bubbly cheese topping and a cozy, oven-baked feel that's different from our traditional pasta dishes. This creates a unique experience that's unlike anything else on the menu.”
In turn, this also takes the texture of the Baked Cheese Tortelloni to a whole new level. “Texture is a big part of what makes this dish special,” Massey explained. “You get tender cheese-filled tortelloni, a creamy sauce, and a golden, lightly crisped cheese topping from the oven, creating a contrast in every bite.”
We also cannot forget about the incredible cheese pulls you will be getting from the Baked Cheese Tortelloni as well. This creamy, cheesy dish has been crafted so that every forkful will feature a stretchy, decadent coating of cheese from each layer.
Why Should I Try the Baked Cheese Tortelloni?
Our Baked Cheese Tortelloni is truly like nothing we have ever had on our menu. It’s familiar yet new and is indulgent at a great price point. “If you love cheesy, comforting pasta, this is a must-try,” said Massey. “Tortelloni is a larger size than tortellini giving you more of that delicious ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella. It's rich, satisfying, and delivers the cozy flavors of baked pasta in a way that's unique to Noodles & Company.”
Baked Cheese Tortelloni is only available for a limited time starting August 5, while supplies last… Make sure to visit and savor all this bowl’s cheesy deliciousness while you can.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is tortelloni? How is it different from tortellini?
Tortelloni is a large, circular-shaped, usually cheese-stuffed pasta. Ours features a three-cheese blend of parmesan, ricotta and mozzarella. They are bigger in size, which differentiates them from tortellini. Tortellini are smaller and ring shaped and usually feature other fillings besides cheese.
Do other dishes on the Noodles & Company menu feature Tortelloni?
Yes! The Roasted Garlic Cream Tortelloni has been a mainstay on our menu and is just as delicious. This creamy dish consists of roasted garlic and onion cream sauce and includes zucchini, mushrooms and spinach. It is all tied together by a topping of parmesan and parsley.
Is the Baked Cheese Tortelloni Spicy?
Not at all! This comforting dish is all the best parts of comfort food and while seasoned to perfection, features no spicy elements.
Can I customize the Baked Cheese Tortelloni?
There are limited options to modify this dish. However, you can add your choice of chicken, either grilled or parmesan crusted. If you are gluten-free, you also can substitute the tortelloni for gluten free pipette noodles.
How many calories are in the Baked Cheese Tortelloni?
There are 770 calories in a Regular portion of the Baked Cheese Tortelloni, which is the only size in which it is available.
What protein should I pair with this dish?
We suggest adding parmesan crusted chicken for some extra flavor and a bit of a crunch. While this is already a protein-packed dish, more certainly cannot hurt!
Can I redeem points for the Baked Cheese Tortelloni in the Noodles Rewards Program?
Of course! This bowl is considered a Culinary Classic and is only offered in the Regular size, so make sure to purchase a Regular Culinary Classic Reward. Then, simply apply it to your order!