If you are craving a dish that’s bursting with rich flavors and comforting textures, this Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a luscious blend of savory Italian sausage, creamy Alfredo, and vibrant marinara sauces, all kissed with warming spices and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and an absolute crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Let me take you through every step so you can easily whip up this delightful meal anytime you want a cozy Italian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that work in harmony to create a melody of taste, texture, and color. Each one plays an essential role, from the spicy Italian sausage that adds depth, to the creamy Alfredo and tangy marinara sauces providing that perfect saucy balance, and the cheesy tortellini delivering the ultimate comfort bite.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference, this gives the dish a savory, meaty base.
- Chopped onion (1): Adds sweetness and flavor complexity when cooked down with the sausage.
- Minced garlic (1 tbsp): Provides aromatic warmth that elevates the entire recipe.
- Rao’s Alfredo sauce (15 oz): Creamy and rich, it brings a luscious texture and mellow flavor.
- Rao’s Marinara sauce (15 oz): Adds acidity and brightness, balancing the creaminess perfectly.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that infuses the sauce with classic Italian flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp): For a gentle kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
- Frozen cheese tortellini (19 oz): The star of the dish, tender pockets of cheesy goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melted on top, it adds a delightful gooey and bubbly finish.
- Parsley flakes: A simple garnish that brightens the dish with color and freshness.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the Italian sausage along with the chopped onion until the sausage is browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step releases the robust flavors of the sausage and creates a savory foundation for the sauce. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease from the pan to keep the dish from getting too oily.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring for just a minute until fragrant. Next, pour in the Alfredo and marinara sauces, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the wonderful ingredients into a rich, velvety sauce that will coat every bite of tortellini.
Step 3: Add the Tortellini
Now, stir in the frozen cheese tortellini, making sure each one gets fully coated with the delicious sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 8 to 10 minutes. This allows the tortellini to cook through perfectly, absorbing some of that flavorful sauce so every bite is extra tasty.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Once the tortellini are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top. For a bubbly golden finish, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to brown. If you prefer to keep things simple, you can cover the skillet and let the cheese melt on the stovetop over low heat—it will still be ooey-gooey and delicious.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle dried parsley flakes on top to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor. Serve this Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe piping hot and watch it disappear in no time.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish like fresh or dried parsley instantly brightens the dish visually and adds a subtle herbal note. If you want to take it a notch higher, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to finish it off elegantly.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia bread also make fantastic side options to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve portions right from individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a charming presentation. You can also turn this recipe into a baked casserole by layering everything in a baking dish and finishing with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crunchy golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, avoid topping with fresh cheese; instead, add mozzarella after reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to restore that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a lighter alternative and works well in this recipe. Just be mindful of the seasoning, as turkey sausage can be milder than pork sausage, so you might want to add a pinch more Italian herbs or red pepper flakes to boost the flavor.
Is it necessary to use both Alfredo and marinara sauces?
Using both sauces creates the signature creamy tomato blend that makes this dish so special. Alfredo adds richness while marinara brings acidity and brightness, balancing the flavors beautifully. You could try substituting with another creamy or tomato sauce, but the combination here is perfect.
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used, and they will cook faster. Adjust cooking time accordingly, watching carefully so they don’t overcook. Fresh pasta has a delicate texture that pairs wonderfully with this sauce.
How spicy is this Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe?
The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the Italian sausage and a small amount of red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat by using spicy sausage or adding more red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. The creamy sauce and cheese tortellini will still provide plenty of flavor and a satisfying texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals with Italian flair. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavors, and endlessly inviting. So go ahead, gather these ingredients, and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness that’ll fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and make your taste buds dance. You’re going to love how effortlessly delicious this gets on your weeknight table!
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Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini is a quick and comforting meal featuring savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich blend of Alfredo and marinara sauces. Finished with melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of parsley, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
Sauces and Seasonings
- 15 oz jar Rao’s Alfredo sauce
- 15 oz Rao’s Marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Pasta and Cheese
- 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parsley flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage and onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and chopped onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and the onion has softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Prepare the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic, Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to blend all the ingredients evenly, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce base.
- Add tortellini: Stir in the frozen cheese tortellini, making sure they are well coated with the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini and sauce. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Alternatively, cover the skillet and leave it on low heat on the stove until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle dried parsley flakes over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Italian sausage tortellini.
Notes
- Drain excess grease from the sausage to avoid a greasy dish.
- You can substitute fresh tortellini for frozen, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Use a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet to bake the cheese directly on the stovetop for convenience.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
