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Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake Recipe

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3.9 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this casserole-style bake combines robust flavors and gooey cheese baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Primary Ingredients

  • 1 package (9 oz.) cheese tortellini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 lb. Italian sausage
  • 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cups (24 oz.) tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
  2. Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until tender. Drain the cooked tortellini using a colander and set aside.
  3. Brown the Sausage: While the tortellini cooks, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until the oil shimmers. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
  4. Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become tender and translucent, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
  5. Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce, then stir in fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
  6. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  7. Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauced tortellini in the skillet.
  8. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the oven-safe skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese has melted completely and turns golden brown on top.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and more grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet.
  • You can substitute frozen tortellini if fresh is unavailable, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
  • Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet; if you don't have one, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
  • Fresh parsley adds brightness; substitute with fresh basil for variation.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipesbyleila.com/cheesy-tortellini-and-sausage-bake-recipe/