Tortellini with Sausage and Peppers: A Flavorful Italian Feast

Tortellini with sausage and peppers is a hearty, flavorful Italian-American dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s a perfect weeknight meal, combining the comforting warmth of cheese-filled pasta with the savory goodness of Italian sausage and the bright, slightly sweet taste of bell peppers. This recipe is adaptable to your preferences – use your favorite type of sausage, adjust the spice level, and add vegetables you enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is sure to impress.

Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Combination:** The combination of sweet peppers, savory sausage, and cheesy tortellini is a classic for a reason. The flavors complement each other beautifully, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
* **Easy to Customize:** This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Use different types of sausage, add other vegetables, or adjust the sauce to your liking.
* **Quick and Easy:** With pre-made tortellini, this dish comes together quickly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
* **One-Pan Meal:** This recipe can be made in one large skillet or pot, making cleanup a breeze. Less dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Tortellini with sausage and peppers is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to be a hit with both adults and children.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Tortellini:** 1 (20-ounce) package of refrigerated cheese tortellini. Fresh or frozen tortellini can also be used, adjust cooking time accordingly.
* **Italian Sausage:** 1 pound of Italian sausage, casings removed. Use sweet, mild, or hot sausage depending on your preference.
* **Bell Peppers:** 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced. A mix of colors adds visual appeal and a variety of flavors.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Fresh Basil:** Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional).
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Wooden spoon or spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making delicious tortellini with sausage and peppers:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* **Chop the vegetables:** Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the bell peppers into strips. If using fresh basil, chop it now as well.
* **Remove sausage casings:** If using Italian sausage in casings, remove them. This allows the sausage to crumble nicely as it cooks.

**Step 2: Cook the Sausage**

* **Brown the sausage:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

* **Add the onion and garlic:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* **Add the bell peppers:** Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.

**Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings**

* **Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste:** Add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
* **Season the sauce:** Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

**Step 5: Cook the Tortellini**

* **Add the tortellini:** Add the tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to ensure the tortellini is coated in the sauce.
* **Simmer until tender:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. If using fresh or frozen tortellini, follow the package directions for cooking time.

**Step 6: Serve**

* **Garnish:** Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* **Serve immediately:** Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Tortellini with Sausage and Peppers

* **Use Good Quality Sausage:** The quality of the sausage will greatly affect the flavor of the dish. Choose a high-quality Italian sausage from a reputable butcher or grocery store.
* **Don’t Overcook the Tortellini:** Overcooked tortellini can become mushy. Cook it just until it’s tender and cooked through.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences.
* **Add a Splash of Cream (Optional):** For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use them sparingly.
* **Add a Pinch of Sugar (Optional):** If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Sausage:**
* **Chicken Sausage:** Use chicken sausage for a leaner option.
* **Spicy Sausage:** Use hot Italian sausage for a spicier dish.
* **Vegetarian Sausage:** Use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
* **Vegetables:**
* **Mushrooms:** Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and peppers.
* **Zucchini:** Add diced zucchini to the skillet along with the onions and peppers.
* **Spinach:** Stir in fresh spinach at the end of cooking until wilted.
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** Add halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
* **Sauce:**
* **Marinara Sauce:** Use marinara sauce instead of diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
* **Alfredo Sauce:** Use Alfredo sauce for a creamy, rich dish.
* **Vodka Sauce:** Use vodka sauce for a unique and flavorful twist.
* **Cheese:**
* **Ricotta Cheese:** Dollop ricotta cheese on top of the dish before serving.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the dish and bake until melted and bubbly.
* **Pecorino Romano Cheese:** Use Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan cheese for a sharper, saltier flavor.
* **Pasta:**
* **Other Pasta Shapes:** Substitute tortellini with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle.
* **Gluten-Free Pasta:** Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
* **Spice:**
* **Increase Red Pepper Flakes:** Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
* **Add a Pinch of Cayenne Pepper:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
* **Use Spicy Sausage:** Choose a hot Italian sausage variant.

## Serving Suggestions

Tortellini with sausage and peppers is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping in the sauce.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Wine Pairing:** Pair with a light-bodied red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This dish can be made ahead of time. Here’s how:

* **Prepare the Sausage and Peppers:** Cook the sausage and peppers as directed in the recipe. Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Make the Sauce:** Make the tomato sauce as directed in the recipe. Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Assemble the Dish:** When ready to serve, combine the sausage and peppers, tomato sauce, and tortellini in a large skillet or pot. Heat over medium heat until heated through and the tortellini is cooked. Garnish and serve as directed.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover tortellini with sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the tortellini.
* **Freeze:** Freeze leftover tortellini with sausage and peppers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 500-600 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 20-25g

## Recipe Card

**Tortellini with Sausage and Peppers**

A flavorful Italian-American dish featuring cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, and bell peppers in a savory tomato sauce.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 40 minutes
**Servings:** 6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (20-ounce) package of refrigerated cheese tortellini
* 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
* 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Chop the vegetables: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the bell peppers into strips.
2. Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. Cook the tortellini: Add the tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to ensure the tortellini is coated in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

**Notes:**

* Use good quality sausage for the best flavor.
* Don’t overcook the tortellini.
* Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
* This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

## Enjoy This Delicious and Easy Recipe!

Tortellini with sausage and peppers is a fantastic meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. With its customizable ingredients and simple steps, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen!