Cheesy Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake 🍝🧀🌭

A comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheese Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the tortellini for 2 minutes less than the package directions (they will finish cooking in the oven).

Drain and set aside.

3. Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the Italian sausage and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until browned.

Drain excess grease if needed.

4. Add the Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Make the Sauce

Stir in the marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Assemble the Bake

Fold the cooked tortellini into the sausage sauce until evenly coated.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the mozzarella, provolone (if using), and Parmesan evenly over the top.

7. Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

For a beautifully browned top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

8. Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh basil.

Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for the Best Tortellini Bake

• Cook the tortellini slightly under al dente to prevent overcooking during baking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
• Mild Italian sausage provides classic flavor, while hot sausage adds extra spice.
• Stir in fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes. Cook according to the package directions, reducing the cooking time by 1–2 minutes before baking.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I substitute the sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded rotisserie chicken all work well.

Q: What cheeses work best?
Mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, and fontina are all delicious options.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 640
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 39g
• Fiber: 3g

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

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