Description
This Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Bake is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired casserole perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender cheese tortellini with savory Italian sausage, flavorful marinara sauce, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection for a deliciously cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
Meat & Vegetables
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package directions until tender, then drain well and set aside for combining.
- Cook Sausage and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage and diced yellow onion together until the sausage is fully cooked and no longer pink, allowing the onion to soften.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30–45 seconds to release its aroma, then drain off any excess grease from the pan.
- Season Mixture: Season the sausage and onion mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing well for balanced flavor.
- Combine with Sauce and Tortellini: Pour in the marinara sauce and add the cooked tortellini, stirring everything together so the sauce evenly coats the pasta and meat.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the entire mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and serve warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the skillet for added nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
