Baked Tortellini with Sausage

Name: Baked Tortellini with Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound cheese tortellini; 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Homestyle Recipe Favorites

Baked Tortellini with Sausage is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, savory sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese.

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-02T18:46:02.955Z

This Baked Tortellini with Sausage recipe is a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying meal.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Hearty and filling with the perfect balance of flavors
Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
Cheesy, gooey goodness that everyone will love

      

A Perfect Family Meal

Baked Tortellini with Sausage is the ultimate family-friendly meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, this dish appeals to both kids and adults alike. The combination of tender cheese tortellini and savory Italian sausage creates a filling meal that will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate some protein and carbs into your family's diet without sacrificing taste.

What makes this dish especially appealing is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on your family's preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, feel free to swap out the Italian sausage for a leaner ground turkey or a meat-free option to make it vegetarian. The marinara sauce can also be replaced with a homemade sauce for those who prefer to control the ingredients.

Easy Preparation for Busy Nights

One of the best aspects of Baked Tortellini with Sausage is its straightforward preparation. In just a matter of minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to pop in the oven. The entire process involves simple steps like boiling, browning, and mixing, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. You can even prep the dish in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it, saving you even more time.

This recipe is also forgiving, allowing for some flexibility. Don’t have mozzarella cheese on hand? Feel free to substitute it with cheddar or any other cheese you enjoy. The key is to maintain the same comforting essence of this dish while making it unique to your tastes.

The Comfort of Cheese

Cheese lovers will rejoice at the gooey, melty topping of mozzarella and Parmesan that crowns this dish. As it bakes, the cheese becomes bubbly and golden brown, creating an enticing aroma that fills your kitchen. This cheesy layer not only adds flavor but also enhances the overall comfort factor of the meal. It’s that perfect finishing touch that makes every bite indulgent.

Moreover, cheese is a fantastic source of calcium and protein, helping to make this dish not just delicious but also nourishing. With the combination of tortellini, sausage, and cheese, you’re creating a well-rounded meal that offers both comfort and nutrition, ideal for any family gathering.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound cheese tortellini
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother preparation process.

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Mix Ingredients

Add the cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the tortellini mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Baked Tortellini with Sausage!

Serving Suggestions

Baked Tortellini with Sausage pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta dish, while the crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top before serving for an extra pop of flavor and color.

For those looking to elevate their dining experience, consider serving this dish with a nice glass of red wine. A medium-bodied red, like Chianti or Merlot, complements the savory notes of the sausage and the acidity of the marinara sauce beautifully.

Storage and Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers after enjoying Baked Tortellini with Sausage, you're in for a treat! This dish stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated easily for a quick lunch or dinner. Simply place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Alternatively, you can freeze any leftovers for longer storage. Just make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option for those busy weeks ahead.

Nutritional Information

Baked Tortellini with Sausage is not just a comfort food; it also packs a nutritional punch. With the combination of cheese tortellini, sausage, and marinara sauce, this dish provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Each serving is rich in essential nutrients, including calcium from the cheese and protein from the sausage, making it a filling option for any meal.

For those monitoring their caloric intake, consider using whole grain tortellini or turkey sausage to create a lighter version of this dish. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost the fiber content and add even more flavor. This way, you can indulge in a comforting meal while still keeping it relatively healthy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use chicken sausage or any variety you prefer.

→ Can I freeze the baked tortellini?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just thaw and bake as directed when ready to eat.

→ What can I serve with baked tortellini?

A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs well with this dish.

→ Can I substitute the marinara sauce?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta sauce you like, such as Alfredo or pesto.