Save
Creamy Italian sausage tortellini is my answer to those busy nights when everyone craves comfort food and I need dinner on the table fast. In just one pan and under half an hour you have a bubbling skillet full of cheesy pasta rich sausage and velvety sauce every bite tastes like a cozy Italian café.
The first time I whipped this up my family practically licked their plates clean. Now it is a regular in our dinner rotation especially after a long day when we need something both easy and special.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: brings bold savory flavor and a little spice choose mild or hot based on preference
- Chopped onion: sweetens and rounds out the sauce look for firm onions with shiny skins
- Minced garlic: gives the dish a classic Italian backbone use fresh garlic for the best punch
- Rao’s Alfredo sauce: creates the creamy rich base always check for a sauce with real cheese
- Rao’s Marinara sauce: balances the cream with brightness and acidity opt for one without added sugar
- Frozen cheese tortellini: cooks quickly and stays tender try to find brands that use whole milk cheese
- Italian seasoning: brings together those herby notes look for a mix with real oregano and basil
- Red pepper flakes: add a gentle heat adjust to your liking or leave out for a milder version
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into gooey perfection the low moisture kind melts best
- Parsley flakes: give a pop of color and a hint of freshness dried is perfect but fresh if you have it
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Italian Sausage and Onion:
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the sausage and chopped onion. Cook breaking up the sausage with a spoon until both are browned and the meat is no longer pink. This should take about six to eight minutes. Once browned drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce creamy not greasy.
- Combine the Sauces and Aromatics:
- Lower the heat to medium low. Stir in minced garlic let it sizzle for about thirty seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Pour in Alfredo sauce and marinara sauce. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir everything thoroughly making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom so you capture all that flavor.
- Add the Tortellini:
- Drop the frozen cheese tortellini into the skillet and mix so every piece is coated with sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for three to five minutes until the tortellini are heated through and tender. Stir occasionally to keep anything from sticking.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Turn off the heat and scatter shredded mozzarella over the top. For a bubbly golden finish slide the skillet into a preheated oven at four hundred degrees for two to three minutes. If you prefer you can simply keep it covered on the stove until the cheese is melted and stretchy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Finish with a generous sprinkle of parsley flakes. Serve hot right from the skillet ideally with crusty bread to scoop up every bit of sauce.
Save
I absolutely adore the cheese tortellini in this recipe. Each bite is creamy and savory and my kids joke that it is like little cheese pillows in every mouthful. We had a family movie night and ate this straight from the skillet on the couch and now it is our go to dinner for cozy evenings in.
Storage Tips
Let the skillet cool then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. You can also portion and freeze in smaller containers though the tortellini may get a little softer when thawed.
Save
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out Italian sausage for chicken sausage or even crumbled turkey to lower the fat but keep the flavor. If you are out of Alfredo sauce you can use all marinara and add a splash of heavy cream instead. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini also work great just adjust the cook time down to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad with zippy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia makes a classic Italian style meal. For a festive touch scatter fresh basil or add grilled vegetables to the table.
Cultural Note
This is an American spin on classic Italian pasta bakes using shortcuts like store bought sauces and frozen tortellini. The technique is all about that cozy skillet experience which is about bringing everyone together for a hearty meal with big flavors and minimal fuss.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Just reduce the simmering time slightly, as fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen.
- → Can I substitute another type of sausage?
Yes, try mild or spicy Italian sausage or switch to chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter flavor.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce smooth and velvety.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions for extra color and nutrition.
- → Is it necessary to bake the cheese at the end?
No, you can simply cover the skillet and let the mozzarella melt from the residual heat if you prefer not to use the oven.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick.