Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Bake Recipe

This Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Bake is the ultimate comfort meal cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor. It combines juicy Italian sausage, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato cream sauce, all baked under a golden layer of mozzarella. Perfect for cozy nights or potluck dinners, this dish is simple to make yet tastes like a restaurant favorite. If you love creamy baked pasta like Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake, this hearty Italian-inspired version will steal the show.

Why You’ll Love It

Family favorite: Everyone loves a cheesy, baked pasta dish.
Quick to make: Ready in under 40 minutes with store-bought tortellini.
Comfort food classic: Creamy, meaty, and deeply satisfying.
Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Portion of sausage and tortellini bake on ceramic plate

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, but undercook it by 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in marinara, cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Combine the sauce with the tortellini and half the mozzarella. Toss until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Garnish with basil or parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Add veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini before baking.
Make it creamy: Add an extra ¼ cup of cream for a richer sauce.
Swap proteins: Try chicken sausage or ground turkey for a lighter twist.
Go extra cheesy: Mix ricotta into the pasta for more creaminess, similar to this cheesy beef skillet.

Substitutions

Tortellini: Cheese or spinach tortellini both work great.
Marinara: Substitute with homemade tomato basil sauce for extra freshness.
Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and vegan cheese alternatives for a dairy-free bake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your hearty sausage and tortellini bake with a green salad and garlic breadsticks. Pair it with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for a satisfying meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just boil frozen tortellini a few minutes longer than fresh. Drain well before adding to the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the bake, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

How can I make it spicier?

Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for extra heat.

More to Try

Conclusion

This Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Bake is everything you crave in a one-pan comfort dish. With tender pasta, flavorful sausage, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a warm, satisfying meal that brings everyone back for seconds.