If you are craving something comforting, cheesy, and packed with savory sausage flavor, then this Baked Tortellini with Sausage and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It’s a one-dish wonder that combines tender cheese tortellini, flavorful cooked sausage, and rich, melty cheeses all baked in a vibrant pasta sauce. What’s truly exciting is that this recipe requires no boiling before baking, making it incredibly easy to put together without sacrificing any of the lush, hearty taste or gooey texture you expect from a baked pasta dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As you gather ingredients for this Baked Tortellini with Sausage and Cheese Recipe, you’ll notice how each component plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and comforting warmth. The simplicity of these ingredients ensures the focus remains on the rich, cheesy, and savory combination that makes this dish so addictive.
- Sausage: Using cooked and crumbled sausage adds a savory, meaty depth and a touch of spice, perfectly balancing the creamy cheese.
- Frozen cheese tortellini: No need to boil beforehand; these little pasta pockets burst with cheesy delight when baked right in the sauce.
- Pasta sauce: A jar of your favorite pasta sauce brings acidity, herbs, and warmth to brighten and bind the entire dish.
- Water: This helps the tortellini cook tenderly within the oven, soaking up all those lovely flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese: Divided between the bake and topping, it melts into a gooey, bubbly blanket that you’ll adore.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp and nutty contrast that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
How to Make Baked Tortellini with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF—making sure it’s hot enough to cook the tortellini evenly without drying out. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later. This step sets the stage for a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Together
In a large bowl, combine the pasta sauce, water, one cup of shredded mozzarella, crumbled cooked sausage, parmesan cheese, and frozen cheese tortellini. Mixing everything thoroughly allows the tortellini to absorb the rich flavors while baking. Pour this hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam for perfect tenderness.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Place your covered pan in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. During this time, the tortellini will soften completely, soaking up the saucy goodness, while the cheese and sausage infuse their flavors throughout the dish. Leaving the foil on here is key for moist, tender pasta with wonderfully blended tastes.
Step 4: Add Cheese Topping and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining one cup of mozzarella over the top, and return the pan to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden at the edges. This finishing bake creates that irresistible, melty cheese crust you won’t want to resist.
How to Serve Baked Tortellini with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top for a vibrant pop of green and an herbal brightness that beautifully contrasts the rich cheese and sausage. A light drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus, which add freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm baguette slices also complement the cheesy, saucy tortellini perfectly, soaking up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress family or guests, serve the baked tortellini directly from the casserole dish on a rustic wooden board. Alternatively, plate individual portions topped with extra parmesan and fresh herbs, alongside a colorful salad or antipasto platter to make your table look inviting and full of Italian charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Tortellini with Sausage and Cheese Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover tightly to prevent the cheese from drying out and the tortellini from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead and freeze, bake the dish only until just cooked through (before adding the final mozzarella topping). Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and add the remaining cheese before a final bake.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15 to 20 minutes until warm throughout. Alternatively, microwave single portions, but cover to retain moisture. Freshly sprinkle a bit of extra cheese on top if you want to revive that ooey-gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Italian sausage works great, but you can switch it out for turkey sausage, spicy chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just make sure it’s cooked and crumbled well before mixing.
Do I need to thaw the frozen tortellini before baking?
No need to thaw! The frozen tortellini cooks perfectly in the sauce as it bakes. This no-boil method saves time and keeps the pasta tender.
What type of pasta sauce works best?
A classic marinara or tomato basil sauce is ideal here, but feel free to experiment with spicier arrabbiata or creamy tomato vodka sauce for a twist on the flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Try incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce or using a spicy sausage. Adding a dash of hot sauce or serving with chili oil on the side can also ignite the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Tortellini with Sausage and Cheese Recipe is the perfect blend of ease, comfort, and crowd-pleasing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry family, this dish delivers cheesy, saucy satisfaction with minimal fuss. Don’t wait to make this cozy, delicious meal a regular part of your recipe rotation—you and anyone you share it with will absolutely thank you.
Print
Baked Tortellini with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Tortellini recipe is a comforting, no-boil casserole that combines savory sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and rich pasta sauce baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering cheesy goodness with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Sausage and Cheese Mixture
- 1 lb sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (19-oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 (24 to 26-oz) jar pasta sauce
- 1½ cups water
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pasta sauce, water, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, cooked crumbled sausage, parmesan cheese, and frozen cheese tortellini. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Bake Covered: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 pan. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This step allows the tortellini to cook through without boiling.
- Add Cheese Topping and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil after 35 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Return the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or vegetarian sausage for a different protein option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make sure to cover with foil during the initial baking to ensure tortellini cooks properly without drying out.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, maintaining great flavor for up to 3 days.
