This Baked Tortellini with Sausage is a deliciously hearty meal that combines cheese-filled tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce. With tender veggies and a topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is comfort food at its best. It’s perfect for weeknights or family gatherings when you need something simple yet satisfying. The addition of baby spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, making it a well-rounded meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Tortellini
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 450 g ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2–3 carrots, chopped
- 2–3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, minced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
- 700 g (about 25 oz) jar of tomato sauce OR a can of San Marzano tomatoes
- 280-425 g (10–15 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 360-480 ml (1.5–2 cups) chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach, torn
For Topping
- 120 g (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Finely chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large, oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, cooking it until browned while breaking it apart with a spoon. Next, stir in the chopped carrots, celery, and minced onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften Stir in the garlic and crushed fennel seeds, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Sauce and Broth: Pour in the tomato sauce (or San Marzano tomatoes if using) and chicken broth.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: Gently fold in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and baby spinach. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes until the spinach begins to wilt and the tortellini is coated in the sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture.
- Bake the Dish: Transfer the skillet or casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Conclusion
This Baked Tortellini with Sausage is the ultimate one-dish meal, packed with hearty flavors and plenty of cheese. The tender tortellini, rich sausage sauce, and melted mozzarella make this a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this comforting bake is sure to satisfy!
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Sausage – A Hearty Italian Casserole
Ingredients
For the Tortellini
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 450 g ground Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 2 –3 carrots chopped
- 2 –3 celery stalks chopped
- 1 yellow onion minced
- 3 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds crushed
- 700 g about 25 oz jar of tomato sauce OR a can of San Marzano tomatoes
- 280-425 g 10–15 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 360-480 ml 1.5–2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach torn
For Topping
- 120 g 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30 g 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Finely chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large, oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, cooking it until browned while breaking it apart with a spoon. Next, stir in the chopped carrots, celery, and minced onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften Stir in the garlic and crushed fennel seeds, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Sauce and Broth: Pour in the tomato sauce (or San Marzano tomatoes if using) and chicken broth.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: Gently fold in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and baby spinach. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes until the spinach begins to wilt and the tortellini is coated in the sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture.
- Bake the Dish: Transfer the skillet or casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.