Advertisements
This one-pan meal brings together juicy Italian sausage, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce made from a blend of Alfredo and marinara. Infused with onions, garlic, and Italian herbs, the dish simmers gently until each bite is flavorful and the tortellini is perfectly tender. After everything melds together, a blanket of mozzarella is melted on top for extra richness. Ready in less than half an hour, it’s a comforting skillet dish destined to please any crowd or family table.
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.
Advertisements
Ingredients
Italian sausage: brings bold savory flavor and a little spice choose mild or hot based on preferenceChopped onion: sweetens and rounds out the sauce look for firm onions with shiny skinsMinced garlic: gives the dish a classic Italian backbone use fresh garlic for the best punchRao’s Alfredo sauce: creates the creamy rich base always check for a sauce with real cheeseRao’s Marinara sauce: balances the cream with brightness and acidity opt for one without added sugarFrozen cheese tortellini: cooks quickly and stays tender try to find brands that use whole milk cheeseItalian seasoning: brings together those herby notes look for a mix with real oregano and basilRed pepper flakes: add a gentle heat adjust to your liking or leave out for a milder versionShredded mozzarella cheese: melts into gooey perfection the low moisture kind melts bestParsley 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.
Advertisements
