Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is everything you want in a quick comfort meal—simple, satisfying, and full of bold Italian flavors. It comes together in just one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy. Plus, it’s flexible: you can make it spicy, sneak in extra veggies, or adjust the cheese to your taste. It’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or cozy dinners at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
olive oil
yellow onion
garlic
cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
tomato paste (optional, for depth)
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
baby spinach (optional)
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes (or marinara), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add tortellini directly into the sauce. Stir to coat well. If using spinach, fold it in at this stage.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes to partially cook the pasta.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
Serves 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
- Spicy version: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Creamy option: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding the tortellini for a richer sauce.
- Pesto twist: Swirl in a spoonful of basil pesto before baking for an herby kick.
- Different cheeses: Try provolone, fontina, or a blend for more cheesy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
This dish can be frozen before baking—assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 40–50 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just add a few extra minutes to the simmering time before baking.
What kind of sausage should I use?
Italian sausage (pork or chicken) works best. Choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything up to the point of baking and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
What sauce works best?
Crushed tomatoes or your favorite marinara sauce both work well. Choose one with bold Italian flavor.
Can I cook this in a regular baking dish?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the sausage and sauce mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, then continue as directed.
Is it okay to add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or chopped kale make great additions.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and check all other ingredients for gluten-free labels.
Can I use a different pasta?
This recipe is designed for tortellini, but you could try it with gnocchi or ravioli with some timing adjustments.
Can I use store-bought shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a creamier finish.
What should I serve with it?
Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
One-Pot Baked Tortellini with Italian Sausage is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, it’s a perfect go-to recipe for busy nights or casual entertaining. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a favorite.
PrintOne-Pot Baked Tortellini with Italian Sausage
One-Pot Baked Tortellini with Italian Sausage is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed pasta dish made with tender tortellini, savory sausage, and a rich tomato sauce—baked to bubbly perfection in just one skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes (or marinara), tomato paste (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add tortellini and stir to coat in the sauce. Fold in spinach if using. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Frozen tortellini may need a couple extra minutes of simmering before baking.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
