Baked tortellini with sausage is a comforting and hearty dish that combines cheesy tortellini pasta with savory Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The dish is baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together while creating a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) cheese tortellini
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 jar (24-26 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, or thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the tortellini to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
- Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Add minced garlic and dried Italian herbs to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine with Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage mixture. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked tortellini and the sausage marinara sauce. Gently toss to coat the tortellini evenly with the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini and sausage mixture.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish: Remove the foil and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked tortellini with sausage from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Success
- Cheese Tortellini: You can use any variety of tortellini you prefer, such as spinach and ricotta or meat-filled tortellini.
- Italian Sausage: Opt for sweet or hot Italian sausage based on your preference for spiciness.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.
- Serve with: Serve baked tortellini with sausage alongside garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Baked tortellini with sausage is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors of tender tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of this baked pasta dish, and impress your family and friends with a homemade meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.