Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini
Highlighted under: FreshGlow Recipes
This Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe combines savory sausage with tender tortellini in a creamy sauce, making it a delightful meal that's quick and satisfying.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet delicious. The combination of flavors in this recipe will transport you straight to Italy!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and savory flavors from Italian sausage
- Creamy sauce that perfectly coats the tortellini
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
- A comforting meal that's great for any occasion
A Perfect Weeknight Dinner
When the week gets busy, it can be challenging to find time to prepare a delicious meal for your family. This Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe is your solution! It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those who want a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of Italian sausage and creamy sauce not only satisfies hunger but also pleases the palate, ensuring everyone at the table leaves happy.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that feels special yet is incredibly straightforward. Whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this recipe is versatile enough to impress while being easy enough for a casual weeknight dinner.
Flavorful Ingredients
Italian sausage is the star of this dish, bringing rich, savory flavors that elevate the tortellini. The spice blend in the sausage adds depth to the sauce, while the creamy texture balances out the boldness. Using high-quality sausage can make a significant difference in the overall taste, so consider selecting a brand you love or even a fresh sausage from your local butcher.
The addition of marinara sauce provides a classic Italian touch, complementing the creamy elements beautifully. Heavy cream enriches the sauce, resulting in a luscious coating for the tortellini. Don’t forget the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top; it enhances the flavor and adds a delightful finish to each serving.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily customize it to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For a lighter version, try using ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage. You can also swap out the heavy cream for a lighter alternative, such as half-and-half or a dairy-free cream, without sacrificing too much flavor.
Adding vegetables is another great way to enhance this dish. Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be sautéed along with the sausage for extra nutrition and flavor. Not only do these additions create a more colorful dish, but they also provide a wonderful texture that pairs well with the tender tortellini.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini:
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 8 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting the cooking process.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini:
Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Cook the Tortellini
In a separate pot, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet with the sausage sauce.
Combine and Serve
Toss everything together. Add grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Your Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini is now ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini, serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. The crispy, buttery garlic bread complements the creaminess of the sauce, while a simple salad adds a refreshing crunch. Consider a balsamic vinaigrette to enhance the flavors of the meal.
For a complete Italian experience, pair your dish with a glass of red wine. A Chianti or Sangiovese would work beautifully, balancing the richness of the sausage and cream. This combination makes for a satisfying dinner that feels indulgent without requiring extensive effort.
Leftovers and Storage
If you happen to have leftovers, you'll be glad to know that this Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini stores well in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container, and it will keep for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if it seems too thick.
Freezing is also an option if you want to prepare a batch in advance. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed for a quick meal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, feel free to substitute with chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based sausage.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked tortellini and sauce together. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini
This Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe combines savory sausage with tender tortellini in a creamy sauce, making it a delightful meal that's quick and satisfying.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: FreshGlow Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 8 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
In a separate pot, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet with the sausage sauce.
Toss everything together. Add grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 20g