Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe combines savory Italian sausage with cheese-filled tortellini in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a delightful, cheesy finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot—or a mix)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (as needed)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 can (14–15 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream (or 2/3 cup plus a splash milk)
- 1 lb (450 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella, divided
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Brown the Sausage:
Heat a large sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then add the Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it into crumbles, until well browned, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving about 1 tbsp of drippings in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pan with a pinch of salt and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using); cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the cooked sausage and any accumulated juices to the pan. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add Cream:
Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is silky and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you’re using spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt into the sauce.
Step 5: Cook Tortellini:
While the sauce is simmering, cook the cheese tortellini in a pot of well-salted boiling water for 1–2 minutes less than the package directions (since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce). Drain the tortellini, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 6: Combine:
Fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with splashes of the reserved pasta water until it reaches a glossy, clinging consistency.
Step 7: Cheese Finish:
Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the tortellini. Cover the pan for 1–2 minutes off the heat to allow the cheese to melt, or broil briefly until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Step 8: Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Ladle the creamy Italian sausage tortellini into warm bowls and finish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different types of sausage, vegetables, or cheeses.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a light and refreshing contrast.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Offer a glass of Chianti or other Italian red wine to complement the flavors.
Tips
- If using hot Italian sausage, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
- Tortellini brands can vary in saltiness, so be sure to season the sauce at the end, after adding the tortellini.
- For an even richer flavor, use half-and-half or crème fraîche instead of heavy cream.
- To make it ahead, prepare the sauce and cook the tortellini separately, then combine and bake before serving.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 650-750 per serving
- Protein: 30-35g per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000mg per serving
Conclusion
This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini is a delightful and easy meal that brings together the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine. With its creamy sauce, cheesy finish, and savory sausage, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as chicken sausage, chorizo, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! This recipe is easily customizable with your favorite vegetables. Consider adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or kale to the sauce. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic in Step 2.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the tortellini separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, and then combine and bake before serving. This is a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
Q4: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: While you can freeze this recipe, the texture of the tortellini may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze the sauce separately and cook the tortellini fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or ricotta salata. Just be sure to choose cheeses that melt well and complement the other flavors in the dish.
