This Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake combines rich, savory flavors with a creamy texture, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying meal. The marriage of spicy sausage, tender tortellini, and hearty marinara sauce makes for a mouthwatering dish that will become a family favorite.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and it’s a one-pan dish, meaning less cleanup! Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this casserole will deliver comfort, flavor, and a lot of smiles. Serve with a side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
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1 (20 oz) package refrigerated tortellini (cheese or spinach)
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1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
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1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
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1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
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Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.
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In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
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Add the cream cheese mixture to the sausage and sauce, stirring until well combined.
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Stir in the cooked tortellini, then transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 500 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Classic Italian-Inspired Casserole
This Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake takes inspiration from classic Italian flavors, combining key ingredients such as Italian sausage, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and tortellini pasta. While the dish maintains the traditional essence of Italian comfort food, it also provides a modern twist with its casserole-style preparation. Baked in the oven, the dish offers the perfect balance of melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and tender sausage, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this dish particularly appealing is its ability to bring together so many familiar and beloved flavors in one easy-to-make meal. The Italian sausage provides a savory, slightly spicy kick, while the marinara sauce adds a tangy, tomato-based richness. The creamy texture of the cheese melds perfectly with the pasta, creating a satisfying bite in every forkful. The added bonus is that the dish is incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a few steps and minimal hands-on time.
Perfect for Family Meals
Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake is ideal for family meals because it’s both filling and easy to make in large batches. The combination of pasta, sausage, and cheese ensures that it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup afterward, making it even more convenient for busy home cooks.
How to Customize Your Tortellini Bake
While the traditional version of this recipe calls for Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and cheese-filled tortellini, there are several ways to customize it to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs. For a healthier version, you can opt for turkey or chicken sausage, which offers a leaner alternative without compromising on flavor. For those looking to make the dish more hearty and vegetable-packed, you can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. The addition of vegetables not only enhances the flavor profile but also provides extra nutrients, making the dish more balanced.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese. While mozzarella and Parmesan are the go-to cheeses for this recipe, you can substitute them with other varieties such as provolone, cheddar, or gouda. These cheese substitutions will give the dish a unique flavor twist while still providing the gooey, cheesy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
The Convenience of Pre-Packaged Ingredients
One of the reasons this dish is so beloved by busy home cooks is that it utilizes pre-packaged ingredients like store-bought marinara sauce and refrigerated tortellini. These shortcuts make it quick and easy to prepare, saving you valuable time in the kitchen. However, if you have more time on your hands and prefer to make your own marinara sauce or homemade tortellini, this recipe can be easily adapted to incorporate these homemade elements. The flexibility of this recipe allows it to be tailored to your preferences, whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a more hands-on cooking experience.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake
Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake is a dish that stands on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with various side dishes to round out the meal. For a classic Italian-inspired dinner, serve it with a crisp, refreshing salad made with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread also make excellent accompaniments, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate. To complement the rich flavors of the bake, a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, would be the ideal drink pairing.
For a more casual meal, you can serve the casserole alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus. These vegetables add a nice contrast in flavor and texture, helping to balance the richness of the bake. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe offers the versatility to pair well with different sides depending on your preferences and the occasion.
The Appeal of One-Pan Meals
One of the standout features of Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake is that it’s a one-pan meal. This makes it not only convenient but also perfect for busy cooks who don’t want to deal with multiple pots and pans. The ease of preparation and minimal cleanup make this dish an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
A Great Meal for Meal Prep
This Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake is also a fantastic meal prep option. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. The casserole reheats beautifully, maintaining its flavor and texture, which makes it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days. Simply portion out individual servings, and you have a quick and easy meal ready to go when you need it.
Making It Ahead of Time
If you’re preparing the dish in advance, you can assemble it up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions. The advantage of this method is that the flavors have more time to meld together, resulting in an even tastier dish. It’s the perfect option if you’re hosting guests or planning to serve this meal during the week.
Conclusion: A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Dish
Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake is a fantastic addition to any home cook’s recipe box. Its combination of hearty sausage, tender tortellini, and cheesy goodness makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and meal prep alike. The versatility of the dish allows for many variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs, and it’s easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy nights. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to serve at your next dinner party, this recipe will deliver both in flavor and convenience. Try it today and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Italian-inspired casserole!