Italian sausage tortellini bake is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines savory Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked together for a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck or gathering, this Italian sausage tortellini bake is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Sausage and Onion:
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Tortellini:
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain the tortellini and set it aside.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Spread half of the cooked tortellini in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon half of the sausage and tomato sauce mixture over the tortellini.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortellini, sauce, and cheeses.
- Bake the Dish:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the foil from the baking dish and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned.
- Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.
About the Main Ingredients
Italian Sausage: Italian sausage adds a flavorful kick to this dish. You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. Removing the casings allows the sausage to be crumbled and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is used in this recipe for its rich and creamy texture. You can use fresh or frozen tortellini, but be sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the bake.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes form the base of the sauce. They add a bright, tangy flavor and a rich, saucy texture to the dish.
Cheese: A combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese adds a cheesy, gooey topping to the bake. The mozzarella melts and becomes stringy, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor.
Herbs: Dried basil and oregano add classic Italian flavors to the dish. You can also use fresh herbs if you have them on hand for a more vibrant flavor.
This Italian sausage tortellini bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
