Tortellini and Sausage Bake
This baked tortellini dish combines pillowy cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a rich tomato-cream sauce, all baked together under a blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like classic Italian comfort food with minimal effort.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein
500 g (18 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
400 g (14 oz) mild Italian sausage (chicken or beef), casings removed
Sauce Base
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups marinara sauce
½ cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Add-Ins
1 cup baby spinach
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Cheese Topping
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the sausage
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add sausage and cook 5–6 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through.
Remove excess fat if needed.
Add onion and cook 3 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Make the sauce
Add marinara sauce, cream, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in spinach and cherry tomatoes (if using) and cook until spinach wilts.
3. Combine with tortellini
Add uncooked tortellini directly to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
4. Bake
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
Cover loosely with foil and bake 20 minutes.
Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Best Results
Use refrigerated tortellini for best texture
Mild sausage keeps the dish family-friendly
Add a splash of pasta water or cream if sauce thickens too much
Let it rest before serving so it sets nicely
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Yes—freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Is this spicy?
No—use mild Italian sausage for a gentle, savory flavor.
Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of cream and part-skim mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
Simple green salad with balsamic dressing
Garlic bread or focaccia
Roasted broccoli or green beans
Nutritional Information
Calories: 560 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g