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.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-06T17:14:54.988Z

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.

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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.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: World Cuisine Recipes

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 12 oz cheese tortellini
  2. 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  3. 1 cup marinara sauce
  4. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  5. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Fresh basil for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Step 04

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