Tortellini and Sausage Bake
Ingredients
- 16 oz full-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- ¾ lb Italian pork sausage)
about 3-4 links (see notes
- ½ onion
chopped; about 1 cup
- 3-4 cloves garlic
minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- ½ cup water or broth
- 16-20 oz refrigerated tortellini
I used spinach tortellini
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to tasteSalt and pepper
Directions
- 1
In a bowl, whisk ricotta, egg, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Set aside.
- 2
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. When hot, add sausage and crumble. When halfway cooked, add onion to soften for 3-4 minutes. Then stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- 3
Pour in marinara sauce and use your wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits on the bottom. Then add the water or broth into the empty marinara jar and shake well to get every drop of marinara sauce. Pour into pan. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, turn the Broil function on your oven.
- 4
Turn off the heat. Season the sauce to taste, then add the tortellini and stir well. Spread an even layer of the ricotta mixture on top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- 5
Broil in oven for 3-5 minutes or until top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it! Then let cool for a couple minutes before serving. Option to top with fresh basil.
Tortellini and Sausage Bake
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About this Recipe
Craving hearty comfort food that comes together in a flash? This Tortellini and Sausage Bake is your answer, delivering rich, savory flavors perfect for any busy weeknight or casual gathering.
What makes this bake truly special is the luscious layer of full-fat ricotta cheese and egg that crowns the savory blend of Italian pork sausage, tender tortellini, and bright marinara sauce. It's a convenient dish that feels far more indulgent than its simple preparation suggests, promising a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
You can look forward to perfectly cooked tortellini nestled in a vibrant marinara, all intertwined with flavorful crumbled Italian pork sausage. Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of textures—the firm pasta, the rich meat, and the creamy, cheesy topping that melts beautifully, thanks to the ricotta and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This dish is the epitome of cozy, satisfying comfort food, designed to please everyone at the table with its deep, comforting flavors.
Customization & Variations
While delicious as is, feel free to experiment to suit your preferences. The recipe mentions spinach tortellini, but you can easily swap in other types of refrigerated tortellini, like classic cheese or meat-filled, to change up the flavor profile. For an extra kick, consider using a spicy Italian pork sausage instead of mild. If you prefer a richer sauce, using broth instead of water is a simple swap.
This comforting bake is ideal for a weeknight family dinner or whenever you need a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's quick to prepare. Serve it hot, perhaps with a simple green salad on the side to balance the richness.