Searching for a delectable and easy weeknight meal that promises to satisfy every palate? Look no further than this incredible Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, combining tender cheese-filled tortellini with savory Italian sausage, all enveloped in a rich, creamy marinara sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings, family dinners, or whenever you crave a hearty, comforting pasta meal without the fuss.

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Sausage Tortellini: A Hearty & Flavorful Pasta Dinner

By: Julia Pacheco

Tender cheese tortellini pairs perfectly with savory Italian sausage in a creamy marinara sauce for a comforting, hearty pasta dinner that comes together incredibly quickly. This dish is designed to be both satisfying and simple, making it a go-to for anyone seeking a delicious meal in under half an hour.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Servings: 5 servings

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Why This Sausage Tortellini Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini isn’t just a recipe; it’s a promise of a delightful, stress-free meal experience. Here’s what makes it stand out and why you’ll want to add it to your regular cooking rotation:

• Unbelievably Fast: In just 20 minutes, you can transform a few simple ingredients into a gourmet-tasting dish. This makes it an absolute lifesaver for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still want a hearty, homemade dinner.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of robust Italian sausage, tangy marinara, and rich cheese tortellini creates a deep, satisfying flavor profile. The secret addition of pasta water adds an incredible depth and silkiness to the sauce that ties all the components together beautifully.
• Effortless Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about pasta, and this dish embodies that warmth. It’s the perfect meal to curl up with after a long day, offering a sense of coziness and satisfaction with every bite.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: This recipe is a guaranteed hit with both adults and children. Its familiar flavors and comforting textures make it appealing to even picky eaters, ensuring smiles around the dinner table.
• Minimal Cleanup: With just a couple of pots and pans, the cleanup is as quick as the cooking process. Less time scrubbing means more time enjoying your delicious creation or relaxing.
• Highly Adaptable: While fantastic as written, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, different types of sausage, or a variety of cheeses to suit your personal preferences or what you have on hand.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Creamy Sausage Tortellini

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its core ingredients. Selecting the right components ensures a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for choosing the best:

• Cheese Tortellini (12 oz): The heart of this pasta dish! Whether you opt for fresh or frozen, cheese tortellini provides a delightful texture and creamy interior. Fresh tortellini typically cooks faster and offers a softer bite, while frozen varieties are convenient and can be stored longer. Any cheese filling—ricotta, mozzarella, or a blend—will work wonderfully. Look for a brand known for its quality pasta and delicious cheese filling.
• Italian Sausage (1 lb): This ingredient brings a robust, savory foundation to our sauce. You have options to tailor the flavor to your liking:
  • Mild Italian Sausage: Ideal for a classic, subtle flavor that’s generally well-loved by all, including children.
  • Hot Italian Sausage: If you enjoy a pleasant warmth and a bit of a kick, hot Italian sausage will infuse the dish with a delightful spice.
  • Sweet Italian Sausage: Characterized by a hint of fennel and a slightly sweeter profile, offering a different aromatic dimension.

  You can also use ground chicken or turkey Italian sausage for a leaner alternative. Remember to remove the casings if you’re using sausage links.

• Jarred Marinara Sauce (24 oz): A high-quality jarred marinara is your secret weapon for quick flavor. It provides a rich, tangy tomato base without the need for simmering tomatoes from scratch for hours. Choose your favorite brand; one with a robust tomato flavor and balanced seasoning will make a significant difference. If you have homemade marinara, this is the perfect opportunity to use it!
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese (¾ cup): Parmesan cheese is essential for adding a salty, nutty depth and contributing to the sauce’s creamy texture. For the best flavor and melt, freshly grated Parmesan is always recommended over pre-shredded, which can sometimes contain anti-caking agents. Don’t forget to save a little extra for garnishing your finished dish!
• Reserved Pasta Water (¼ cup): This often-discarded liquid is a culinary gem! The starch released from the tortellini during cooking emulsifies with the marinara and cheese, creating a luxurious, silky sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of pasta. Do not skip reserving this liquid – it’s crucial for the dish’s signature creaminess.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

You won’t need an arsenal of specialty tools to whip up this amazing Sausage Tortellini. Just a few basic kitchen items are all it takes:

• Large Pot: For perfectly cooking your tortellini.
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: This will be your workhorse for browning the sausage and simmering the sauce. A high-sided skillet is recommended to prevent splatters and accommodate all the ingredients.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for breaking up the sausage as it cooks and stirring the sauce.
• Colander: For easily draining the tortellini after it’s cooked.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions, ensuring consistent results every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Delicious Sausage Tortellini

Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a mouth-watering meal ready to enjoy in no time. Each step is designed for ease and maximum flavor development.

1. Cook the Tortellini to Perfection

   Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Once the water is vigorously boiling, add the 12 ounces of cheese tortellini. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, which typically takes about 2-4 minutes for fresh tortellini or 5-7 minutes for frozen, until it’s tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). This ensures your pasta has the perfect texture and doesn’t become mushy. Before draining, make sure to scoop out and reserve approximately ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid is a game-changer for the sauce’s texture and consistency. Once the pasta water is reserved, drain the tortellini thoroughly and set it aside.

2. Brown the Flavorful Italian Sausage

   While your tortellini is cooking, place a large pot or a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of Italian sausage to the hot pan. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, break the sausage apart into small, uniform pieces. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is completely browned through and no pink remains, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors. Once the sausage is thoroughly cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan. This prevents your sauce from becoming overly oily and heavy.

3. Combine, Simmer, and Serve Your Creamy Creation

   With the cooked and drained sausage still in the pot, pour in the 24 ounces of your favorite jarred marinara sauce. Next, add the reserved ¼ cup of starchy pasta water. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring the sausage is well incorporated with the marinara. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for about 3 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. Finally, add the cooked tortellini and the ¾ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese to the pot. Gently toss everything together until the tortellini is evenly coated in the rich sauce and the Parmesan cheese has melted, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency. Serve your magnificent Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, and savor every comforting bite!

Expert Tips for Success & Delicious Variations

Tips to Perfect Your Sausage Tortellini

Achieving the best results with this recipe is easy when you keep these simple tips in mind:

• Al Dente Tortellini is Key: Overcooked pasta can quickly turn mushy. Always follow the package instructions and err on the side of slightly undercooking it, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.
• Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is truly magical. It helps bind the sauce, creating a smooth, emulsified, and clingy consistency that makes every bite perfect.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your sauce. Depending on the saltiness of your sausage and marinara, you might want to add a pinch more salt or a grind of fresh black pepper to enhance the flavors.
• Fresh Parmesan for Superior Melt: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and offers a far richer, nuttier flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Drain Excess Grease: If your Italian sausage produces a lot of fat, draining it off before adding the marinara will prevent your sauce from being greasy and heavy.

Exciting Variations & Customizations

This Sausage Tortellini recipe is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to personalize it to your taste:

• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrition and visual appeal by stirring in some fresh spinach (add at the very end until just wilted), sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or zucchini alongside the marinara sauce.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, opt for hot Italian sausage. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the marinara sauce for an extra kick.
• Cheese Swaps: Experiment with other cheeses! Stir in some creamy ricotta for a richer sauce, or sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and let it melt for a gooey finish.
• Alternate Proteins: If Italian sausage isn’t your preference, ground beef, ground turkey, or even crumbled plant-based sausage can be used. Adjust seasonings as needed to complement your chosen protein.
• Fresh Herbs: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or oregano, chopped finely, for a burst of freshness and aroma.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini into a complete meal with these delightful accompaniments:

• Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette: Essential for soaking up every last drop of that delectable creamy sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: These green vegetables, roasted with olive oil and garlic, make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Wine Pairing: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or Sangiovese, or a crisp white wine such as a Pinot Grigio.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This Sausage Tortellini makes for excellent leftovers, offering another quick meal!

• Storage: Allow any leftover pasta to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat individual portions gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. To restore the sauce’s creaminess and prevent it from drying out, add a splash of milk, chicken broth, or even water while reheating. You can also microwave leftovers, stirring occasionally, though the stovetop method often yields a superior texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sausage Tortellini

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen tortellini are excellent choices for this dish. Just be sure to carefully follow the package instructions for cooking times, as frozen tortellini typically requires a few extra minutes to cook through compared to fresh.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini is best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely do some prep work in advance. The sausage and marinara sauce mixture can be cooked and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the tortellini fresh and combine it with the reheated sauce.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level of this dish is entirely customizable based on your preference and the type of Italian sausage you select. If you use mild Italian sausage, the recipe will have a very gentle flavor with no heat. For those who enjoy a spicier meal, opt for hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?

Yes, and it’s a wonderful way to boost flavor and nutrition! Great additions include fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted), sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté heartier vegetables with the sausage, or add softer greens directly to the simmering sauce.

What if I forget to reserve the pasta water?

While the starchy pasta water is highly recommended for creating an emulsified, creamy sauce, if you happen to forget, don’t worry! You can use a splash of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a little milk or cream to achieve a similar consistency and help the sauce cling to the tortellini.