There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of pasta after a long day, especially when it’s loaded with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe is exactly that—a cozy, hearty dish that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with savory Italian sausage, all tossed in a luscious tomato cream sauce. The final touch of melted mozzarella makes it irresistibly cheesy, perfect for serving with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

This dish was inspired by the classic Italian-American love for pasta dinners that bring people together at the table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet decadent enough to serve when you’re hosting friends or family. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight comfort meal, something indulgent for date night, or a dish that will impress at a family gathering, this recipe checks every box.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making pasta dinners at home should be stress-free but still feel special. Here’s why this creamy tortellini deserves a spot in your meal rotation:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love the cheesy, creamy flavor.

• Versatile: Works with mild or spicy sausage, fresh or frozen tortellini, and can be customized with your favorite veggies.

• Comforting: It’s a warm, hearty meal that tastes like a hug in a bowl.

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Rich, velvety sauce combined with pillowy pasta makes this meal feel indulgent.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 15 oz Alfredo sauce

• 15 oz Marinara sauce

• 1 package (9–12 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley

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Directions

Cook the Tortellini

The first step in preparing this delicious dish is cooking the tortellini. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salt is essential here, as it seasons the pasta from the inside out and enhances the flavor of the entire dish. Once the water reaches a boil, carefully add the tortellini. Depending on whether you’re using fresh or frozen tortellini, the cooking time will vary slightly. Fresh pasta usually takes about 3–4 minutes, while frozen pasta may need 5–7 minutes. Be sure to check the package instructions to avoid overcooking, as tortellini can become mushy if left in the water too long.

As soon as the tortellini floats to the top and is tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente), drain it immediately. Avoid letting the pasta sit in hot water after draining, since this can make it overly soft. To prevent sticking, you can drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil over the cooked tortellini and gently toss it. Set the pasta aside while you move on to preparing the other components of the dish.

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Cook the Sausage

Next, you’ll focus on the savory heart of this recipe: the Italian sausage. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, crumble the sausage into the pan, removing the casings if you haven’t already. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to combine with the tortellini later.

Cook the sausage until it’s browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center, which usually takes about 6–8 minutes. As it cooks, the sausage releases flavorful juices that form the base for the sauce. If your sausage produces excess grease, you may want to carefully drain off some of the fat to prevent the finished dish from being overly heavy. Once the sausage is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside while keeping the skillet handy for the next step.

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Sauté Onion and Garlic

Using the same skillet that held the sausage, add the chopped onion. There’s no need to clean the pan, as the browned bits left behind from the sausage will add depth to your sauce. Sauté the onion over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes soft and translucent. Cooking the onion slowly brings out its natural sweetness, which balances the richness of the sauce.

Next, add the minced garlic. Garlic burns quickly, so only cook it for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release its aroma. At this stage, your kitchen will begin to smell incredibly inviting, with the savory sausage aromas mingling with the sweet onion and garlic. This simple combination lays the groundwork for a sauce that tastes homemade and full of character.

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Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Once the onion and garlic are softened and fragrant, it’s time to build the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in both the Alfredo sauce and marinara sauce. These two sauces combine to create the creamy tomato base that makes this dish unique. The Alfredo brings velvety richness, while the marinara provides a bright, tangy tomato flavor.

Stir in the Italian seasoning, along with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the sauces blend into a smooth, luscious mixture. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This short simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the sauce is heated through. By the time it’s ready, you should have a creamy, balanced sauce that’s neither too heavy nor too acidic.

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Combine Tortellini and Sausage

With the sauce bubbling gently, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir it in so that the pieces are evenly distributed. Then add the drained tortellini to the pan. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together gently. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as tortellini can be delicate and may break open if handled roughly.

As the pasta and sausage are coated with the creamy tomato sauce, you’ll start to see the dish coming together beautifully. The plump tortellini soak up the flavors of the sauce, while the sausage adds bursts of savory goodness in every bite. Allow the mixture to cook for 2–3 minutes so everything is evenly heated and well combined.

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Add Cheese and Finish

Now comes the indulgent finishing touch: melted mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam and encourage the cheese to melt thoroughly. After 2–3 minutes, lift the lid and admire the gooey, melted topping. The cheese will form a creamy blanket that ties all the components together.

If you prefer a golden, bubbly topping, you can transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and place it under the broiler for a few minutes. Just keep a close eye on it, as cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly. Either way, the result is irresistibly cheesy and perfect for digging into with a fork or spoon.

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Serve

The final step is serving your Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini. Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. These herbs cut through the richness and give the meal a polished, restaurant-worthy presentation.

Serve the pasta hot, ideally with slices of warm garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra sauce. A simple green salad also pairs wonderfully, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta.

From the very first bite, you’ll taste the perfect balance of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and rich tomato cream sauce. This dish is hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

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Recipe Notes

• Tortellini Options: Fresh tortellini cooks faster and tends to be more tender, but frozen tortellini works just as well for this dish.

• Cheese Choices: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you could also add Parmesan for a nutty flavor or provolone for extra gooeyness.

• Vegetable Additions: For extra nutrition and color, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers before adding the sausage back to the skillet.

• Make It Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

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Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

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Serving Suggestions

Pairing the right sides with your Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini can take the meal from simple to unforgettable. Here are some serving ideas:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra creamy sauce.

• Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the pasta.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli complement the flavors nicely.

• Antipasto Platter: For a more festive spread, serve with olives, marinated peppers, and cured meats.

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Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Since the pasta will simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, cook it just until al dente.

2. Drain Sausage Fat: If your sausage is especially greasy, drain off excess fat before making the sauce to keep it from being too heavy.

3. Layer Flavors: Use a high-quality marinara and Alfredo sauce for the best flavor foundation.

4. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil or parsley right before serving brightens up the richness of the dish.

5. Melt Cheese Gently: Cover the skillet to trap steam and melt the cheese without burning.

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Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations you can try:

• Chicken Sausage Tortellini: Swap the Italian sausage for chicken sausage for a lighter option.

• Three-Cheese Tortellini Bake: After combining everything, transfer to a baking dish, add extra mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake until bubbly.

• Spinach Tortellini: Use spinach-filled tortellini and stir in fresh spinach for extra greens.

• Creamy Pesto Twist: Stir a spoonful of basil pesto into the sauce for a herby upgrade.

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and add roasted veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the sausage and sauce ahead of time, then store separately from the tortellini. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh, combine with the sauce, and finish with cheese.

Can I freeze this dish?
While pasta dishes with cream sauce don’t freeze perfectly, you can freeze the cooked sausage and sauce mixture for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating.

What’s the best sausage to use?
Mild Italian sausage is great if you want a balanced flavor, while spicy sausage adds a kick. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage as a leaner alternative.

Can I make this dish lighter?
Yes. Use turkey sausage, light Alfredo sauce, and reduce the cheese topping. You can also add more vegetables to increase volume without extra calories.

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