If you’re craving a dish that wraps comfort, ease, and rich flavors all into one, the Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Bake Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Loaded with tender cheese tortellini, zesty Italian sausage, and a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella, this bake is the perfect way to enjoy a soul-satisfying meal with minimal fuss. Each bite hits that wonderful mix of savory goodness and cheesy delight, making it an instant classic you’ll want to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success with this recipe, and they’re all straightforward but pack incredible flavor. Each one plays a key role in creating a satisfying balance of texture, taste, and visual appeal that brings this dish to life.
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini: The star pasta choice, stuffed with creamy cheese, giving every bite a delightful richness.
- ½ yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of bite that brightens the sausage and sauce.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Brings savory depth and spiced warmth that makes the dish truly irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses just the right punch of aromatic flavor, enhancing everything around it.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties together the meat, veggies, and sauce perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: Provides that rich tomatoey base, keeping the dish saucy and comforting.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The crowning glory, melting beautifully to create that cheesy, gooey finish everyone loves.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Tortellini
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the time comes to bake your masterpiece. Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until tender but firm, then drain it well and set it aside to prepare the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Onion
In a large skillet heated to medium-high, add the Italian sausage and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is no longer pink and the onion becomes translucent and soft. This step is crucial as it builds a flavorful savory foundation for the bake.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it with the sausage and onion for about 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This combination enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Tortellini
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir everything together, allowing those ingredients to meld beautifully. Add in the cooked tortellini and gently fold to ensure each pasta piece is coated in that delicious, saucy goodness.
Step 5: Bake with Cheese on Top
Transfer the sausage, tortellini, and sauce mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until you see the cheese melt into bubbly, golden perfection.
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To boost both flavor and presentation, sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley just before serving. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese also adds a lovely salty depth and makes your Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Bake Recipe look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This hearty bake pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad crisp with vinaigrette, or some garlic bread to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables can also provide a nutritious, colorful complement to the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cheesy delight family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy, casual vibe. Or, for a more elegant touch, plate individual portions with a drizzle of basil-infused olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes to add a hint of heat and extra visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Bake Recipe will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully. Simply place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results so the texture remains just right.
Reheating
Reheat your Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Bake Recipe in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty and fresh again. Alternatively, the microwave works for a quicker option—just cover your dish to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this bake?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook the frozen tortellini according to package instructions before adding it to the sausage and sauce mixture to ensure a perfect texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the Italian sausage for a plant-based alternative or use sautéed mushrooms and extra vegetables to keep the flavors hearty and satisfying.
What type of Italian sausage works best?
Both sweet and spicy Italian sausages work well here, depending on your preference for heat. For a milder flavor, go sweet, and if you like a little kick, spicy is the way to go.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely, you can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
How can I make the bake extra cheesy?
Feel free to add extra mozzarella or mix in other cheeses like Parmesan or provolone for a richer, more decadent cheesy experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake that brings everyone together, and this Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Bake Recipe does just that with ease and flair. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how fast this recipe becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender cheese tortellini combined with savory Italian sausage, sautéed onions, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a delightful blend of flavors baked to bubbly perfection in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the tortellini casserole later.
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Sausage and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the Italian sausage and diced yellow onion. Cook them together until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink, and the onions become translucent.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to reduce fat content.
- Season Sausage Mixture: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Add Sauce and Tortellini: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet along with the cooked tortellini. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta and sausage mixture with the sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the entire mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy your cheesy sausage tortellini bake.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor.
- Make sure to drain excess grease after cooking the sausage to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
