Friends, let me share a dish that never fails to bring smiles and satisfied sighs to my dinner table – yes, I’m talking about the delightful Tortellini and Sausage Bake! This hearty meal combines chewy tortellini, savory sausage, and creamy ricotta into a comforting casserole that’s a treat for the senses. It’s all baked to gooey perfection in just 30 minutes, making it a favorite for busy weeknights and cozy gatherings alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Just 30 minutes from start to finish for a feast everyone will enjoy.
- Flexible Ingredients: Swap or substitute based on your dietary needs and preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The comforting taste of layered pasta, rich sauce, and melty cheese wins hearts!
- Minimal Cleanup: One-pan preparation makes kitchen clean-up a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of staple ingredients can create such a delectable dish. Each element, from the robust sausage to the creamy ricotta, plays a crucial role in flavoring our Tortellini and Sausage Bake.
- Full-fat Ricotta Cheese: Provides a creamy, rich layer that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements.
- Italian Pork Sausage: Packs a punch of flavor; choose hot or sweet according to your preference.
- Marinara Sauce: The base of our sauce, adding sweetness and acidity that balances the richness.
- Refrigerated Tortellini: Convenient and hearty, these little pasta parcels soak up the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, golden crust after broiling.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking is how adaptable a recipe can be to suit your taste. Feel free to make this Tortellini and Sausage Bake your own with these enjoyable variations.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the sausage for crumbled tofu or use a medley of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Opt for hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra fiery dish.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Add some shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of blue cheese along with the Parmesan for a cheesy explosion.
How to Make Tortellini and Sausage Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
Start by whisking together the ricotta, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This creamy mixture will sit beautifully atop your pasta, adding a rich layer to our bake.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Sauce
Using a large oven-safe skillet, heat oil and add the sausage. Crumble and cook it halfway before introducing the chopped onion, letting it soften for about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the garlic for a brief sauté, then it’s time to splash in the marinara, scraping up any browned bits for ultimate flavor.
Step 3: Assemble and Broil
Layer the fresh tortellini into the skillet, followed by spreading the prepared ricotta mixture evenly across the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan and broil for a few minutes until golden perfection is achieved. Let it cool slightly, then dig in with a garnish of fresh basil, if you wish.
Pro Tips for Making Tortellini and Sausage Bake
- Sausage Selection: Using sausage with casings removed allows for easier crumbling and smoother integration into the sauce.
- Broiling Best Practices: Keep a close eye on your bake as it broils to ensure a perfectly browned top, avoiding any burnt surprises.
- Layer Like a Pro: A well-distributed ricotta layer ensures every bite is balanced with creamy goodness against the robust sauce and pasta.
- Herbaceous Hints: Fresh basil or even oregano added just before serving brings a fresh burst of flavor that elevates every mouthful.
How to Serve Tortellini and Sausage Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving adds color and a burst of fresh flavor that perfectly complements the rich bake.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or some simple roasted vegetables, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty bake.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual ramekins for a personalized touch at dinner parties. Alternatively, scoop portions into shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating individual portions is a breeze and keeps the bake fresh for that mid-week craving.
Freezing
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze in portions to reheat easily or cover your entire bake with foil before freezing for a bigger batch.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. If using a microwave, cover portions to maintain moisture and heat incrementally.
FAQs
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Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake up to the point of broiling, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply broil until golden and bubbly before serving.
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What other pasta can I use?
Feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Just ensure it’s cooked slightly less than al dente as it will continue to cook while baking.
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How do I prevent the top from burning while broiling?
Place your dish on a lower oven rack and keep a close watch to ensure it achieves a golden-brown finish without burning.
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Is there a way to make it lighter?
For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey instead of pork, and opt for low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy, the Tortellini and Sausage Bake is your perfect match. Warm, filling, and full of flavor, it’s a dish that can truly bring joy to your table. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll see why this dish is a go-to in my kitchen!
Print
Tortellini and Sausage Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This delicious Tortellini and Sausage Bake combines savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and tender tortellini in a rich marinara sauce, baked to perfection with a cheesy golden top. It’s an easy, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Ricotta Mixture
- 16 oz full-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the Main Dish
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 3/4 lb Italian pork sausage (about 3-4 links)
- 1/2 onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water or broth
- 16–20 oz refrigerated tortellini (spinach or your choice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, egg, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, crumbling it with a spatula, and cook until browned on all sides. When halfway cooked, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour in the marinara sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Rinse the marinara jar with water or broth, shake well, and pour into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Preheat Broiler: Turn on the broil function in your oven and set aside.
- Combine and Assemble: Turn off the stove heat. Adjust seasoning to taste, then add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and stir thoroughly. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the top, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake and Finish: Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the top is golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Sausage: Use hot or sweet Italian sausage. If using sausage links, slit and remove casings for crumbling.
- Alternative cooking vessel: Use a casserole dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe. Cook the sausage and sauce separately, combine with tortellini in the dish, then proceed with baking and broiling.
- Substitutions: Swap sausage with ground pork, beef, turkey, chicken, or crumbled tofu. Use frozen tortellini directly or shelf-stable tortellini with par-cooking. Adjust baking time to 15-20 minutes at 350°F for frozen pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1 of 8 servings)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1093 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
