Oven-Baked Tortellini Alfredo with Pepperoni and Green Peas

When the weather is cold, when you're sick, when you've had a bad day, or when you're just feeling blah... these all call for comfort. Warm, cozy, rich, creamy comfort.

When I purchased some frozen cheese tortellini recently, I had planned a very simple garlic-olive oil sauce. Then I saw this post by the clever Anne of Anne's Food--a cheesy-baked tortellini. I knew I had to make some.

It's very easy--make an oniony, garlicky roux, add milk and cheese, season with pepper, a few scrapes of nutmeg, salt if you need it, and mix it with just-cooked tortellini and bake. I added pepperoni and peas for extra flavor and texture.

Wow! It was just right for a solo meal at home, cozy on the couch with a blanket--with lots of leftovers!

Oven-Baked Tortellini Alfredo with Pepperoni and Green Peas
serves 4

1 pound frozen cheese tortellini, cooked according to package directions to al dente
extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced (or more or less to taste)
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
about 1 quart milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
few scrapes nutmeg
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 pound frozen peas
about 1-1/2 ounces thinly sliced or chopped pepperoni

Saute onion in olive oil until lightly browned and very soft; reduce heat to low and add garlic and butter. Stir until butter is melted. Mix in flour to form a paste and cook 1-2 minutes. Whisk in milk, a little at a time, also adding pepper, nutmeg and parmesan cheese as you go. (Be sure to taste for seasoning--you may need added salt.) You may also use less or more milk depending on the consistency you prefer. Mine came out pretty thick--just how I like it. Stir in peas and pepperoni and remove from heat.

Combine cooked tortellini and cream sauce in a buttered casserole dish. Bake in a preheated 350*F oven until bubbly and lightly browned (about 15-20 minutes). Allow to cool for 5 minutes before digging in--it's HOT!

This is a relatively quick-fix meal if you're very organized, and definitely pocketbook-friendly. I was able to put the dish together for about $5 US.