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

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!
Variations & Tips
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.