Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake: A Delicious Weeknight Dinner

This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake is the ultimate comfort food! It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a busy weeknight. This recipe combines cheesy tortellini, savory Italian sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella for a dish the whole family will love. Get ready for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Bake

* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
* **Family-Friendly:** The combination of cheese, pasta, and sausage is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even with picky eaters.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Comfort Food at its Best:** Creamy, cheesy, and savory, this tortellini bake is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the bake ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it perfect for potlucks or gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake. Make sure to read through the notes below for possible substitutions and variations.

* **Italian Sausage:** 1 pound of Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot, casings removed).
* **Tortellini:** 20 ounces of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup heavy cream.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat).
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided.
* **Fresh Basil:** ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional).
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon olive oil.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

* **Italian Sausage:** You can use sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference. For a healthier option, use turkey or chicken Italian sausage.
* **Tortellini:** Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini works well in this recipe. You can also use spinach or meat-filled tortellini for a different flavor.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** You can substitute crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce for the diced tomatoes. If using crushed tomatoes or sauce, you may need to reduce the amount of heavy cream slightly.
* **Heavy Cream:** For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as creamy.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses would also work well in this recipe.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the bake, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
* **Spice:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, or omit them altogether if you don’t want any heat.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake.

**Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
4. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

**Step 2: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce**

1. Stir in canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste into the skillet.
2. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Stir in heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 3: Assemble the Tortellini Bake**

1. Add tortellini to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine.
2. Pour the tortellini mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

**Step 4: Bake the Tortellini**

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bake is heated through.
2. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Tortellini Bake

* **Don’t Overcook the Tortellini:** Since the tortellini will continue to cook in the oven, avoid overcooking it in the sauce. You want it to be slightly undercooked when you add it to the baking dish.
* **Use High-Quality Cheese:** Using good quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheese will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the bake.
* **Don’t Skip the Resting Time:** Letting the bake rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
* **Customize the Sauce:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the sauce to your liking. You can add more or less Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or garlic.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sautéing some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini and adding them to the sauce will add extra flavor and nutrients to the bake.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are some suggestions for sides to serve with it:

* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing with pasta dishes, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and delicious accompaniments.
* **Caesar Salad:** A creamy Caesar salad is another great option for a side salad.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This tortellini bake is perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how:

1. Assemble the bake according to the recipe instructions, but don’t bake it.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bake is heated through. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if the bake is very cold.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover tortellini bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations on This Recipe

* **Vegetarian:** Omit the Italian sausage and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
* **Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Different Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
* **Different Pasta:** While this recipe calls for tortellini, you can also use other types of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or ziti.
* **Pesto:** Add a dollop of pesto to the sauce for a burst of fresh flavor.

Recipe Card

Conclusion

This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake is a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and savory sausage, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of comfort food at its finest!

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!