Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini

This creamy Italian sausage tortellini has rescued many weeknights for my family with its savory flavors and rich, cheesy sauce. Everything comes together in just one skillet with barely any prep, cleanup, or waiting around. The melty mozzarella and herby kick transport you straight to your favorite Italian trattoria without leaving home.

I first made this for an impromptu dinner after a hectic day and now it is my most requested comfort meal whenever my family wants something extra cozy.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Italian sausage: This gives the dish robust savory flavor. Try to use quality sausage with visible herbs and seasoning for best taste
• Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth. Choose yellow onions for balance
• Minced garlic: Essential for bold aroma and taste. Freshly minced is always best
• Rao's Alfredo sauce: Brings creaminess and a touch of luxury. Quality Alfredo makes a huge difference for smoothness
• Rao's Marinara sauce: Adds tangy tomato flavor. Rao's is aromatic and deeply flavorful
• Frozen cheese tortellini: The pasta cooks right in the sauce. Choose a tortellini brand with a good cheese-to-pasta ratio for a creamy bite
• Italian seasoning: Blend of classic herbs brings warmth. Choose a blend with oregano, basil, and thyme
• Red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle heat. If you love more spice, adjust to taste
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Results in gooey, cheesy topping. Freshly shredded from the block melts best
• Parsley flakes: For a fresh and colorful finish. Look for vibrant green flakes for best flavor and visual pop

How to Make It

Sauté the Sausage and Onion:

Cook the Italian sausage and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir frequently and break up the sausage as it browns. Continue until the meat is cooked through and onions are golden, then drain the excess grease. This layering is the flavor foundation so give it a few extra minutes until aromatic

Build the Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add in the minced garlic, stir just until fragrant, then quickly pour in Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to ensure every bite will have a balance of creamy and tangy notes. Take your time here and scrape the bottom of the pan for maximum savory richness

Cook the Tortellini:

Add the frozen cheese tortellini straight from the bag, gently folding it into the sauce. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the skillet with a lid and let simmer for several minutes until the tortellini is plump and tender. Do not overcook or they can become mushy—taste test a piece after about three to four minutes

Melt the Cheese:

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface. For the best golden cheese top, transfer the skillet to a preheated four hundred degree oven for a few minutes. Watch carefully so it gets bubbly and just melted. Alternatively, you can simply re-cover the skillet so the cheese melts from the residual heat

Add Final Touches:

Once the cheese is perfectly melty, remove from heat. Sprinkle with parsley flakes for freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy bite

Mozzarella is my personal highlight in this dish. The way it stretches in every spoonful always reminds me of my grandma's homemade lasagna nights. There is something simply magical about the extra creaminess it brings

Flavor Boosters

Quick browning the sausage deepens the flavor noticeably. The cheese melts better when shredded fresh—don’t use pre-shredded if possible. A splash of cream in the sauce makes this even richer if you dare

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Pair with roasted broccoli for extra veggies. A sprinkle of extra parmesan and fresh basil brings out even more Italian flavor

Creative Twists

Swap mild sausage for spicy or add sliced mushrooms for earthiness. If you do not have Rao’s sauces, choose another brand with minimal added sugar or preservatives. You can use refrigerated tortellini if you want to shave off a few extra minutes—just reduce the cook time and monitor for doneness. In summer, fresh basil or cherry tomatoes add brightness and color. When it gets cold, sub spinach for extra greens or add a handful of frozen peas or kale for variety. For a freezer meal, cook the recipe up until adding cheese. Let it cool, pack in freezer containers, and freeze up to two months. Thaw overnight and finish with mozzarella and a bake in the oven

This easy tortellini is a family favorite for comfort and convenience. Each creamy bite is just as satisfying reheated—enjoy it any day of the week!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can fresh tortellini be used instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh tortellini can be added. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as they cook faster than frozen.

→ Is it possible to substitute turkey sausage?

Absolutely. Turkey sausage brings a lighter flavor and works well with the creamy tomato sauce.

→ How can I make the dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a more pronounced kick.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble fully and refrigerate. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

→ What side dishes pair well?

Serve alongside garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.