Pin
Cheese tortellini and sausage skillet has been my standby for those evenings when everyone is hungry and I need something cozy and quick. The combination of melty cheese tortellini, rich sausage, and a flavorful tomato sauce always feels special yet requires hardly any planning. It is family friendly and hearty enough for any appetite.
I discovered this recipe on a chilly fall evening when my fridge had only sausage and a forgotten pack of tortellini. Now it is our go to when time and ingredients are short but comfort is on the menu.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Cheese tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated is best for tenderness and cooks quickly
- Olive oil: Choose extra virgin for a deeper flavor
- Beef sausage: Sliced into rounds Look for one with a smoky or garlicky profile for more depth
- Onion: Chopped Yellow or white adds sweetness as it cooks
- Garlic: Fresh cloves minced for bold aroma
- Diced tomatoes: Canned and undrained to bring juiciness and tang
- Tomato sauce: Smooths out the base and intensifies the tomato taste
- Chicken broth: Opt for low sodium to control saltiness Adds body and blends flavors
- Italian seasoning: For herbal complexity and warmth Dried or homemade blends work
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle kick and rounds out the flavors
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and melts beautifully for the gooey top layer
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for sharpness and a salty nutty finish
- Chopped parsley (optional): Provides a fresh contrast and adds color
How to Make It
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the cheese tortellini just until tender following the package instructions Try not to overcook Drain and set aside so it does not get mushy
- Brown the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add sliced beef sausage and let it cook until each piece is browned on both sides For best flavor let the sausage caramelize by not stirring too often It should take about five or six minutes
- Soften Onion and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet with the sausage Keep cooking over medium heat Stir gently and let the onion turn translucent and the garlic become fragrant This usually takes about three minutes
- Build the Sauce:
- Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet Add tomato sauce chicken broth Italian seasoning and black pepper Stir everything together Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan Let the sauce simmer gently for about five minutes to marry the flavors
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce:
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sauce and sausage Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold it all together Make sure each tortellini is coated with the sauce but do not break them
- Add Cheese and Melt:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top Cover the skillet with a lid Keep the heat low and let it cook for three or four minutes until the cheese is totally melted and bubbly
- Garnish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and if you like scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top Serve while it is piping hot and enjoy the gooey cheese pull with every bite
Parmesan cheese is my favorite ingredient in this dish because it adds that irresistible salty kick right at the end. The first time I made this for my extended family it disappeared before I could snag seconds. Every time I sprinkle the cheese on top it reminds me of big kitchen gatherings and noisy family stories.
Flavor Boosters
Brown the sausage deeply to unlock extra richness, and let the sauce gently simmer uncovered so flavors can concentrate. Always finish with plenty of fresh parsley or basil for that fresh, vibrant lift that brightens every bite.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet is super hearty on its own but a crisp green salad and garlic bread make it even better. Try it with roasted veggies in the colder months or sliced cucumbers and tomatoes on warm nights.
Creative Twists
Swap beef sausage for chicken or turkey for a lighter meal, or go vegetarian with plant based sausage and vegetable broth. For seasonal spins, try adding fresh basil or peas in spring, or toss in spinach or roast vegetables in winter for extra color and nutrition.
This dish warms up any busy night and creates happy, satisfied faces. Make it once, and it just might become your new cozy dinner tradition.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of sausage works best?
Beef sausage is recommended, but pork or turkey sausage also pairs well with the cheesy tortellini.
- → Can I substitute fresh tortellini?
Yes, both fresh and refrigerated tortellini are great options and may reduce cooking time.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- → What vegetables can be added?
Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms blend well and add extra nutrition and flavor.
- → Can I use a different cheese blend?
Mozzarella and Parmesan provide classic Italian flavor, but provolone or fontina can be substituted.