My sister showed me this 4 ingredient dinner and it has been a springtime staple for us ever since.

This Ham and Pea Tortellini Bake is an easy, comforting recipe that turns a few everyday ingredients into a rich, creamy meal. The tortellini cooks right in the oven, soaking up the cream while releasing starches that naturally thicken the sauce. Sweet peas and savory ham add balance and texture, making this a simple one-dish dinner that still feels satisfying and complete.

Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Ham and Pea Tortellini

Ingredients

• 1 lb refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1½ cups cooked ham, diced
• 1½ cups frozen green peas
• 2 cups heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the tortellini directly to the dish without pre-cooking.

Tip:
Refrigerated tortellini works best since it softens easily while baking.

Step 2: Add the mix-ins
Sprinkle the diced ham and frozen peas evenly over the tortellini.

Tip:
No need to thaw the peas—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.

Step 3: Pour the cream
Lightly season the cream with salt and pepper, then pour it over everything. Gently press or stir so most of the pasta is coated.

Step 4: Bake covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the tortellini to cook through as the cream heats up.

Step 5: Finish uncovered
Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes.

What to look for:
The sauce should be bubbling, and the edges of the tortellini should be lightly golden.

Step 6: Rest and serve
Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tip:
Resting helps the sauce thicken and cling to the pasta for a smooth, creamy finish.

Rich, simple, and full of flavor, this dish is a great example of how minimal ingredients can come together into a comforting, satisfying meal.