If you’re craving bold flavors and serious comfort, Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This one-pan dinner is loaded with cheesy tortellini, hearty Italian sausage, and a dreamy tomato-cream sauce—ready in under 30 minutes, and destined to wow your whole table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Creaminess: The magical marriage of Alfredo and marinara creates a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of tortellini.
- Flavor-Packed in Minutes: Hearty Italian sausage and robust seasonings build layers of savory depth with a fraction of the effort.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup—just one skillet and a few pantry staples—means this feels easy even on your busiest nights.
- Family-Favorite Comfort: Melty mozzarella and tender cheese tortellini win over picky eaters and foodies alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini comes together with simple, superstar ingredients that do all the heavy lifting for you. Each component plays a starring role—bringing rich flavor, comforting texture, and beautiful color to your bowl.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, this is the flavor backbone—crumbled, browned, and oh-so-hearty.
- 1 chopped onion: Sautéed until soft, it adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic: For those classic Italian vibes and a little punchy aroma.
- 15 oz jar Rao’s Alfredo sauce: Brings irresistible creaminess without extra fuss—use your favorite Alfredo if you can’t find Rao’s.
- 15 oz Rao’s Marinara sauce: Perfect balance of tang and sweetness; swap in another high-quality marinara if desired.
- 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini: No need to thaw—these plump, cheesy pasta pillows soak up all the sauce as they cook.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Classic blend of herby goodness—dried oregano, basil, and more.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to tingle the taste buds (adjust to your spice preference).
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gorgeous, gooey cheese pull on top.
- Parsley flakes: A sprinkle of dried or fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness at the end.
Variations
Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini is as adaptable as your cravings—switch up the protein, toss in veggies, or lean into extra comfort based on your mood or what’s in the fridge. Here’s how you can make it totally your own.
- Swap the Sausage: Try spicy Italian sausage for more kick, or opt for turkey sausage or even diced rotisserie chicken for a lighter (but still satisfying) version.
- Add Veggies: Stir in a couple handfuls of baby spinach, kale, or chopped zucchini right before simmering for extra color and nutrition.
- Play With Cheese: Use a combo of mozzarella and provolone on top, or toss in some parmesan for extra sharpness.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tortellini and double-check sauces to make this dish allergy-friendly without losing the magic.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage and add the chopped onion. Sauté everything together until the sausage is browned and the onions are soft and translucent, which builds the very foundation of flavor for the entire dish. Drain off any excess grease so your sauce stays velvety—not oily.
Step 2: Layer in Creamy Sauces and Seasonings
Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the minced garlic—let it sizzle just until fragrant, no more than a minute. Then pour in the Alfredo sauce and marinara sauce, and sprinkle over the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir well, allowing these flavors to mingle and create that signature creamy tomato sauce.
Step 3: Add Tortellini and Simmer
Toss the frozen cheese tortellini right into the pan—straight from the bag, no thawing needed. Coat every piece with sauce, then cover with a lid. Let everything simmer together for just a few minutes until the tortellini are hot, tender, and infused with all that creamy, savory goodness.
Step 4: Finish With Cheese and Broil
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the surface. For ooey-gooey, golden perfection, slide the skillet under a broiler or into a 400°F oven for a few minutes—just until the cheese melts and bubbles. Or keep it simple and let the cheese melt on the stovetop with the lid on. Add a shower of parsley before serving!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini
- Choose the Right Sausage: Mild, sweet, or spicy Italian sausage will each add their own personality, so go with your family’s favorite or do half-and-half for a subtle kick.
- No Need to Boil Tortellini First: Frozen cheese tortellini goes straight from freezer to skillet, soaking up sauce and saving you an extra pot to wash.
- Broil for That Golden Finish: If you want bubbly, browned cheese topping, 2-3 minutes under the broiler is all it takes—but watch it closely!
- Sauce Consistency Matters: If the sauce gets too thick, splash in a bit of milk or pasta water before serving to keep things perfectly creamy.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini
Garnishes
Nothing completes Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini like a finishing sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil—these greens perk up the plate and bring a burst of freshness that cuts through the creamy richness. A dusting of freshly grated parmesan over the bubbling mozzarella doesn’t hurt, either!
Side Dishes
This comforting pasta begs for a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the coziness. A warm loaf of crusty garlic bread or simple focaccia is perfect for mopping up every last puddle of sauce—highly recommended!
Creative Ways to Present
For casual nights, serve straight from the skillet at the center of the table for a family-style feast. For dinner parties, ladle into shallow bowls, swirl the sauce for a gorgeous presentation, and top each with a nest of fresh herbs and a dramatic cheese ribbon. Or tuck tortellini into ramekins for individual “mini bakes” that feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini stores beautifully! Simply allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it a cozy lunch or quick dinner hero.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though the sauce may separate slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze in portioned, airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well while reheating—the flavors will still shine!
Reheating
Gently reheat Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. The microwave works too—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.
FAQs
-
Can I use refrigerated tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using refrigerated tortellini, reduce the simmering time slightly—just cook until the pasta is hot and tender, since it cooks faster than frozen.
-
What’s the best way to make Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini spicy?
Opt for spicy Italian sausage and bump up the red pepper flakes to your liking. If you want even more heat, a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce can do wonders.
-
Can I make Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish up through the step before adding cheese and baking. Store, covered, in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to serve, sprinkle with cheese and bake or broil until bubbly and heated through.
-
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
If your sauce thickens up as it sits or reheats, stir in a splash of milk, cream, or even a bit of reserved pasta water to return it to its original silky consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about a bubbling pan of Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini that feels like a warm, delicious hug at the end of a busy day. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own—here’s to effortless comfort food and happy memories, one cheesy bite at a time!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and flavorful dish featuring creamy Italian sausage tortellini, a perfect blend of Alfredo and marinara sauces, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty and satisfying meal is easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 15 oz jar Rao’s Alfredo sauce
- 15 oz Rao’s Marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Tortellini and Cheese:
- 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parsley flakes
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook Italian sausage and chopped onion until the meat is browned. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic, Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add frozen cheese tortellini to the skillet, ensuring it is well coated with the sauce. Cover and cook until tortellini is tender.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Alternatively, cover the skillet and let the cheese melt on the stove.
- Final Touch: Garnish with dried parsley before serving.
