Gather around the kitchen, friends, because today we’re diving into the delicious and oh-so-satisfying world of Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini. This dish is the epitome of minimal effort, maximum flavor— a one-pan wonder that magically brings together savory smoked sausage, pillowy cheese tortellini, and vibrant sweet peppers for a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Magic: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your meal and relax after dinner.
- Packed with Flavor: Each bite is bursting with the delightful taste of smoked sausage and cheesy tortellini, all elevated by roasted sweet peppers.
- Customizable: Effortlessly swap in your favorite veggies or sausage to personalize this dish to your taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini recipe lies in its simplicity. With only a handful of essential ingredients, each element shines through to contribute its unique taste and texture to the dish.
- Sweet Onion: Thinly sliced to release its natural sweetness, balancing the savory sausage.
- Mini Sweet Peppers: These colorful gems add both crunch and a lovely burst of sweetness.
- Olive Oil: Helps everything caramelize beautifully, enhancing flavors across the board.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper: Don’t skip seasoning at each step for layers of flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a mild garlic touch without overpowering the dish.
- Smoked Turkey Sausage: Offers that irresistible smoky flavor you’ll love.
- Cheese Tortellini: Cooked al dente, it’s the pillow-like companion to the sausage.
- Parmesan Cheese: A little nutty, a little salty, and completely addictive.
- Fresh Chives: A fresh, mild onion flavor to finish everything off with a pop of color.
Variations
This Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini is incredibly versatile, inviting you to make it your own based on what’s in your pantry or your dietary needs. Below are some fun substitutions and additions you can try.
- Veggie Swap: Substitute or add zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for an extra veggie punch.
- Spicy Sausage: Use a spicy sausage variant to add a fiery kick to the dish.
- Herbal Boost: Incorporate fresh basil or oregano to complement the Italian flavors at play.
How to Make Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini
Step 1: Roast the Veggies
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lay the sweet onions and mini peppers across a large baking sheet, coating them with half the olive oil, a generous pinch of kosher salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic powder. Toss these aromatic beauties well before spreading them evenly for an even roast.
Step 2: Add the Sausage
Nestle those succulent rounds of smoked sausage into your veggie layer. The mix of juices from the sausage and veggies as they roast for 15-20 minutes will set the stage for seriously delicious bites.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
While your sheet pan magic is happening, bring a pot of salted water to a peel-off boil. Cook the cheese-stuffed tortellini, shaving a minute from the suggested cook time to keep them perfectly tender.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Once your veggies and sausage have a good roasty look, add the tortellini to the party, mixing them with the remaining olive oil and sprinkling liberally with parmesan. Slide the sheet back into the oven for 10-15 more minutes, tossing occasionally, then get ready to dive in after a sprinkle of fresh chives and extra cheese.
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini
- Optimal Roasting: Ensure your veggies and sausage are spread in a single layer for caramelization perfection and even cooking.
- Tortellini Timing: Undercooking your tortellini initially by a minute ensures they don’t become too soft when baked with the other ingredients.
- Cheese Loves Company: Parmesan should be added both before and after the final bake for an extra-cheesy impact.
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While fresh chives add elegance, dried herbs like oregano can deepen the flavor profile if fresh isn’t on hand.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini
Garnishes
Garnishing this dish with fresh chives gives it that restaurant-worthy feel. Add a fresh grind of black pepper or some chili flakes if you’re craving a subtle heat boost. Remember, garnish is not just for looks but to add an extra dimension of flavor.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad paired with a zesty vinaigrette amplifies the creamy texture of the tortellini. Crusty warm bread or garlic knots are ideal for soaking up all those delightful juices left behind on the pan.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style presentation. Alternatively, plate the tortellini in shallow pasta bowls, layering the sausages and peppers atop for a colorful, Instagram-ready meal. It’s all about finding the joy in how you showcase your culinary creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it well-sealed ensures the flavors stay vibrant, ready for a quick meal.
Freezing
While the tortellini might lose some of its texture upon freezing, this dish can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Be sure to cool it completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
For best results, reheat this meal in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, keeping that delightful crispness intact. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick if you’re short on time.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While tortellini provides a lovely cheesy center, you could substitute it with penne or rigatoni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for al dente perfection.
-
What type of smoked sausage is best to use?
Smoked turkey sausage is a delightful choice for this recipe, but you can use any variant you prefer, including chicken or pork sausages. Just pick one with a smoky flavor to enhance the dish’s depth.
-
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Omit the sausage entirely or substitute it with a plant-based sausage alternative. Adding extra vegetables like mushrooms can also contribute to a heartier, vegetarian-friendly version.
-
Can I add more cheese?
Certainly! If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle additional parmesan or shredded mozzarella on top before the final bake to get a delightful, gooey finish.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely adore how this Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini makes dinner both delightful and doable. It’s a delicious way to bring a splash of warmth and flavor to your table with little fuss. I invite you to try this recipe soon—it’s bound to become a family favorite in no time.
PrintSheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and easy sheet pan meal combining smoked sausage, cheese tortellini, and vibrant vegetables, baked to perfection for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 pound mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
Base & Flavoring
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Protein
- 1 pound smoked turkey sausage, cut into rounds
Pasta
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini
Garnish & Cheese
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a large baking sheet.
- Prepare vegetables: Arrange the sliced onions and mini sweet peppers on the baking sheet. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a big pinch of salt and pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Add sausage: Place the smoked turkey sausage rounds on top of the vegetables, nestling them into the sheet for even roasting.
- Roast: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is browned.
- Cook tortellini: While the sheet pan is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini for about 1 minute less than package instructions, typically around 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Add tortellini: Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Add the drained tortellini to it, tossing gently to combine with the roasted ingredients, and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Final bake: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, tossing once or twice to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven. Garnish with chopped chives and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a warm, hearty meal.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes before roasting for a spicy kick.
- Using fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the dish’s freshness.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil for an extra 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (around 400g)
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg