Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini
Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes
Discover the delight of Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini, a comforting dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner.
This Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe combines savory sausage with tender pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce. It's a crowd-pleaser that brings authentic Italian flavors to your table in no time!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
- Savory Italian sausage adds a delicious depth of flavor
- Comforting and filling, perfect for the whole family
A Flavorful Italian Classic
Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your dinner table. This recipe combines the comforting texture of cheese tortellini with the savory richness of Italian sausage, creating a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. The addition of marinara sauce and cream elevates the dish, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers a wonderful opportunity to experiment with different ingredients. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the mix for extra nutrients and color. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own, the result will be a hit with everyone at the table.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the standout features of this Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe is its simplicity. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a hearty meal that the entire family will love. This makes it ideal for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still want to serve something homemade and nutritious.
Moreover, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily double the recipe to serve a larger crowd, or make it ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal later in the week. Having a delicious, comforting dinner on hand can save you time and stress, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
Serving Suggestions
When serving Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini, consider pairing it with a fresh green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. The salad adds a refreshing crunch, while the bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top can enhance the flavors even more.
For a cozy vibe, serve this dish with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese. The wine's acidity complements the richness of the sausage and cream, making each bite even more enjoyable. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil; it adds a lovely aroma and a pop of color to your plate.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini.
Cook the Tortellini
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Combine and Serve
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Enjoy your homemade Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini!
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers of Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini, you're in luck! This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply transfer the cooled tortellini to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep it from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze the tortellini. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or you can cook it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, consider using hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also mix in sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or even kale to boost the nutritional value and add additional flavors to the dish.
If you're looking to lighten the meal, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini to cater to dietary preferences. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to create a dish that fits your family's needs.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute with turkey sausage or any other preferred sausage variety.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and tortellini separately and combine them when ready to serve.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked tortellini and sauce. Just thaw and reheat when you're ready to eat.
Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini
Discover the delight of Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini, a comforting dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: World Cuisine Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 20g