This Baked Tortellini is packed with savory Italian sausage, tender, cheesy tortellini, and a luxurious creamy tomato sauce. Experience the convenience of a delicious, hearty meal that cooks entirely in one pan!
Family Favorite
One Skillet + Cheesy Tortellini = Dinner Perfection!
For months, my kitchen was a revolving door of beloved one-pan pasta dishes like baked ravioli and skillet lasagna. They were my undisputed go-to weeknight meals – quick to assemble, incredibly hearty, and always a guaranteed hit with my family. Then came a night when I planned for baked ravioli, only to find my fridge bare of the star pasta. But a pack of tortellini was waiting, a perfect opportunity for a delightful twist. I quickly browned some Italian sausage, stirred it into a vibrant, creamy tomato sauce, and tucked it all under a comforting blanket of melted cheese. Baked to golden perfection, the tortellini added a wonderfully unexpected dimension, and the entire skillet vanished that very evening. It instantly earned its permanent spot in our dinner rotation, becoming a cherished classic for its ease, flavor, and universal appeal.
Baked Tortellini: Your Ultimate One-Pan Dinner Solution for Busy Nights
Are you searching for a hassle-free, utterly delicious meal that satisfies everyone at the table? Look no further than this incredible Baked Tortellini recipe! This dish is a true revelation for busy weeknights, special family gatherings, or whenever you crave comforting Italian flavors without the endless cleanup. Imagine tender, cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a rich, savory, creamy tomato sauce, all mingled with perfectly seasoned Italian sausage, and crowned with a bubbly, golden layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. And the best part? It all comes together in just one pan, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this irresistible skillet sensation that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Baked Tortellini
Crafting this unforgettable Baked Tortellini begins with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and comforting texture that make this dish so special. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some insightful tips and potential swaps to suit your preferences and pantry:
| Ingredient | Swap/Tip for Enhanced Flavor & Versatility |
|---|---|
| Italian Sausage | Whether you prefer mild, medium, or spicy, Italian sausage is the savory heart of this dish. For a lighter option, consider ground turkey or chicken sausage, seasoned with a pinch of fennel and Italian herbs for similar flavor notes. Ensure you remove casings if using links. |
| Tomato Paste | This concentrated burst of tomato flavor is absolutely key. Don’t rush this step! Cooking the tomato paste until it darkens slightly and caramelizes will significantly deepen the overall umami and richness of your sauce, creating a more robust base. |
| Crushed Tomatoes | The smooth, rich foundation of our creamy tomato sauce. For an extra layer of smoky depth, especially if you enjoy robust and complex flavors, fire-roasted crushed tomatoes are an excellent choice. |
| Chicken Broth | Essential for deglazing the pan and achieving the perfect saucy consistency. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to better control the seasoning of your dish and prevent it from becoming overly salty. Vegetable broth also works wonderfully for a lighter flavor profile or a vegetarian version. |
| Tortellini | The star of the show! Fresh, refrigerated tortellini works best here as it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully. Any cheese-filled variety will be fantastic. If you happen to have ravioli on hand, it’s a perfectly acceptable and delicious substitute. |
| Spinach | Fresh baby spinach wilts down easily and adds a wonderful touch of freshness, vibrant color, and nutrients. Feel free to swap with other leafy greens like finely chopped kale or peppery arugula for a different twist, or even a mixed greens blend. |
| Heavy Cream | This is what transforms the tomato sauce into a velvety, creamy dream, adding luxurious richness. If you’re in a pinch, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce might be slightly less decadent. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk (note: it will impart a subtle coconut flavor) or a plant-based heavy cream alternative can be used. |
| Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese | The ultimate duo for a gooey, bubbly, golden topping that defines “baked.” Freshly grated mozzarella melts beautifully, and Parmesan adds a salty, nutty bite. Other fantastic melting cheeses like fontina, provolone, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would also be delicious and worth experimenting with. |
| Aromatics & Seasonings | A classic trio of finely diced onion, celery, and carrots (often called a soffritto) forms the aromatic base. Minced garlic, salt, pepper, fennel seed, and Italian seasoning build the core flavor profile. Don’t skip the fennel seed – it’s a signature spice in Italian sausage and helps tie all the flavors together perfectly. Red pepper flakes are optional for those who enjoy a subtle or pronounced kick of heat. |
Quick Tip for Maximum Flavor: Mastering Tomato Paste
A simple yet powerful trick to significantly enhance the depth and complexity of your sauce is to properly cook the tomato paste. After adding it to the pan with your cooked aromatics and sausage, stir it constantly over medium to high heat for about a minute or two. You’ll notice it turn a deeper, richer red and caramelize slightly, often sticking to the bottom of the pan before being deglazed. This crucial process unlocks its full flavor potential, adding a profound umami note that elevates the entire dish beyond a simple tomato sauce. Be careful not to scorch it, but don’t be afraid to let it get a little color. Trust us, this small step makes a world of difference!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Baked Tortellini
Creating this delicious one-pan Baked Tortellini is simpler than you might think, making it a perfect recipe for any home cook. Follow these straightforward steps to bring a truly satisfying meal to your table in under 40 minutes:
- Prepare Your Pan & Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Select a large, sturdy oven-safe skillet (preferably 3.5-quart or larger with a well-fitting lid) that can seamlessly transition from your stovetop to the oven. This is key for the “one-pan” magic!
- Sauté Aromatics: In your chosen skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery – this trio forms your essential flavor base (known as soffritto in classic Italian cooking). Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed fennel seed, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and become beautifully fragrant. Once soft, push them to the edge of the pan, creating a clear space in the center for the sausage.
- Brown the Sausage: Increase the heat to high. Place the Italian sausage directly into the center of the pan, spreading it into a single layer. Allow it to sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a nice, flavorful crust. Then, use a wooden spoon to break it up into crumbles and stir until it’s evenly browned all over. If there’s an excessive amount of grease, carefully drain it off to prevent the dish from becoming oily.
- Enhance Tomato Flavor: Add the tomato paste to the center of the pan, mixing it with the sausage and vegetables. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, allowing it to cook down and deepen in color. As mentioned in our quick tip, this crucial step amplifies the rich, umami tomato flavor.
- Deglaze & Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, immediately scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is called deglazing, and it adds immense depth of flavor to your sauce. Continue cooking, stirring, until the broth has mostly evaporated, leaving a concentrated essence. Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes until well combined.
- Add Tortellini & Simmer: Carefully add the refrigerated tortellini directly into the pan, gently pressing them down to submerge them as much as possible in the rich sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with its fitted lid (or a sheet pan if you don’t have one that fits), and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This gentle simmer allows the tortellini to begin cooking and truly absorb the incredible flavors of the sauce.
- Finish with Cream & Greens: Remove the lid from the skillet. Stir in the fresh baby spinach and heavy cream until the spinach wilts beautifully and the sauce achieves a gorgeous, velvety creamy consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, or a pinch more Italian seasoning) as needed. Ensure the tortellini are still well submerged, smoothing the top of the dish to create an even surface for the cheese.
- Top with Cheese & Bake: Evenly sprinkle the generous amounts of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the entire dish, creating a luscious blanket. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully bubbly, perfectly melted, and turns a tempting golden brown on top.
- Garnish & Serve: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Optionally, garnish your magnificent Baked Tortellini with a sprinkle of fresh, finely chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve your Baked Tortellini hot, immediately, and ideally with hearty buttered bread for dunking into that exquisite sauce. Remember, this dish is best enjoyed right out of the oven!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Baked Tortellini
While this One-Pan Baked Tortellini is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience, adding balance, freshness, and complementary textures. Here are some fantastic suggestions that complement its rich, creamy flavors beautifully:
- Bruschetta: Start your Italian-inspired meal with this classic appetizer. Toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with fresh, diced tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil offers a light, zesty, and refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.
- Crisp Italian Salad: A fresh, vibrant, and light salad, perhaps with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette, is perfect for cutting through the richness of the tortellini. It adds essential crunch, brightness, and a dose of greens.
- Garlic Bread: Is there anything better for soaking up every last drop of that incredible creamy tomato sauce? Warm, crusty garlic bread is an absolute must-have accompaniment that no one will pass up. For something extra special and homemade, try my no-knead Focaccia.
- Roasted Vegetables: A simple side of roasted vegetables like broccoli florets, zucchini slices, colorful bell peppers, or tender asparagus spears adds nutrients and a lovely caramelized flavor that pairs wonderfully with rich Italian dishes.
- Caprese Salad: A delightful and visually appealing mix of fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves, elegantly drizzled with a balsamic glaze. It’s simple, elegant, and bursts with fresh Italian flavors.
- Steamed Green Beans with Lemon: A quick and easy side dish that offers a fresh, slightly acidic bite. The vibrant green and subtle tang of lemon provide a perfect balance to the creamy pasta, preventing the meal from feeling too heavy.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Baked Tortellini Leftovers
Enjoying Leftovers
Baked Tortellini is truly at its peak when served hot and fresh, straight from the oven with that glorious bubbly, melted cheese and vibrant sauce. However, if you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence with this dish in most households!), proper storage and careful reheating can ensure they’re still delicious and satisfying.
As Baked Tortellini cools and sits, the pasta naturally continues to absorb more of the sauce. This means your leftovers will be less saucy and the tortellini itself may become a bit softer or, as some describe, “bloated.” This is a common characteristic of pasta dishes with creamy sauces and is entirely normal.
Storage: To maintain the best quality, store any leftover Baked Tortellini in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Beyond that, the pasta texture can degrade significantly, and the flavors may not be as fresh.
Reheating: When you’re ready to reheat, the key is to restore some of that lovely, creamy sauce consistency that might have been lost. Transfer your desired portion to an oven-safe dish or a skillet. Add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth (approximately 1-2 tablespoons per serving) before reheating. This extra liquid helps to rehydrate the sauce and the pasta. Cover the dish (if reheating in the oven) or the skillet (if on the stovetop) to prevent drying out. Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to distribute the moisture, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until thoroughly warmed through. The added broth will help bring the sauce back to life, making your leftovers enjoyable once more, almost as good as the first serving.
Variations & Customizations to Make This Baked Tortellini Your Own
One of the beautiful things about this Baked Tortellini recipe is its incredible adaptability. It serves as a fantastic base for culinary creativity, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s specific tastes, dietary needs, or simply to use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this dish truly your own!
- Vegetarian Delight: Easily transform this into a meatless meal. Skip the Italian sausage entirely and instead add an extra cup of your favorite vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, chopped zucchini, or even a can of drained cannellini beans during the sautéing stage. For a heartier vegetarian option, you can incorporate a plant-based ground “meat” alternative, seasoned with a touch of fennel and Italian herbs.
- Spice It Up: If you love a bit of heat, this recipe is easily adjustable. Feel free to increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, or even more for a fiery kick that will awaken your taste buds. Alternatively, choose hot Italian sausage instead of mild for a built-in spice factor.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content, fiber, and freshness of your dish by stirring in other vegetables. Think beyond spinach! Sautéed bell peppers, thinly sliced mushrooms, tender asparagus tips, or even a handful of frozen peas added during the last few minutes of simmering can add wonderful flavor, texture, and color.
- Cheese, Please! The cheese topping is a highlight, so feel free to experiment with different blends. A mix of provolone, fontina, and mozzarella would be fantastic for a more complex flavor profile. A sprinkle of smoked gouda could add a unique, savory, and slightly smoky depth that’s truly delicious.
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs always elevate Italian dishes. Consider stirring in finely chopped fresh basil, oregano, or a mix of both, added at the very end along with the spinach. This infusion of fresh herbs will bring another layer of aromatic, vibrant flavor to your creamy sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: For those with gluten sensitivities, while traditional tortellini contains gluten, many brands now offer excellent gluten-free alternatives. Just ensure they are suitable for baking and adjust cooking times as per package instructions for the best results.
- Make it Lighter: If you’re looking to reduce calories or fat, you can use lean ground chicken or turkey instead of pork sausage. You can also swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a less rich sauce, though it won’t be quite as decadent and creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Tortellini
- Can I prepare Baked Tortellini ahead of time?
- While this dish is undeniably best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can prepare certain components in advance. The sauce and browned sausage mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, reheat the sauce, then proceed with adding the tortellini, spinach, cream, and cheese, baking as directed. It’s generally not recommended to assemble the entire dish with raw tortellini too far in advance, as the pasta will absorb too much liquid and become mushy before it even bakes.
- What kind of tortellini is best for baking?
- For this specific recipe, fresh, refrigerated tortellini (the kind that typically cooks in about 4-5 minutes when boiled) works perfectly. Its quick cooking time allows it to absorb the sauce beautifully without overcooking or becoming too tough. Dried tortellini would likely need pre-boiling or significantly longer simmering times and more liquid to achieve the desired texture in the baked dish.
- Can I freeze leftover Baked Tortellini?
- Freezing is generally not recommended for pasta dishes with creamy sauces and tortellini. The pasta can become mushy and lose its desirable texture upon thawing, and creamy sauces, unfortunately, have a tendency to separate when frozen and reheated. For best quality, it’s advised to enjoy any leftovers within 3 days from the refrigerator.
- Is this recipe spicy?
- The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, giving you full control over the level of heat. If you use mild Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes, the dish will be very mild and family-friendly. For those who prefer a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
More One-Skillet Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights:
If you love the convenience, minimal cleanup, and incredible deliciousness of this one-pan baked tortellini, you’ll be thrilled to discover more easy skillet dinners that simplify your cooking without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. These recipes are perfect for those nights when you want a homemade meal but are short on time or energy for extensive cleanup. Dive into these other family favorites and make your weeknight dinners effortlessly delicious and stress-free:
Discover More One Skillet Dishes:
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Baked Tortellini Recipe Card
This Baked Tortellini combines seasoned Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich creamy tomato sauce, into the perfect one-pan dinner.
By: Chelsea Lords
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 22 minutes
Total time: 37 minutes
Video
Equipment
- Oven-safe pan (3.5-quart, with fitted lid)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/2 cup finely diced carrots
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed if links)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 18 ounces refrigerated tortellini (e.g., Rana’s 5-Cheese)
- 2 cups coarsely chopped baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Finely chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Hearty buttered bread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large oven-safe pan with a lid, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed fennel seed, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften. Push cooked vegetables to the edge of the pan.
- Brown Sausage: Increase heat to high. Place Italian sausage in the center of the pan in a single layer. Let it sear briefly, then use a wooden spoon to break it up and stir until browned. Drain off excess grease if needed.
- Cook Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste to the pan, stirring constantly for 1 minute until it darkens slightly.
- Deglaze & Add Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Continue cooking until the broth has mostly evaporated. Stir in crushed tomatoes.
- Simmer Tortellini: Add tortellini, pressing them below the surface of the sauce as much as possible. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. (If you don’t have a fitted lid, use a sheet pan to cover).
- Add Spinach & Cream: Stir in spinach and heavy cream until spinach wilts and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed. Smooth the top to ensure tortellini are well submerged.
- Top & Bake: Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with hearty buttered bread for dunking. Best enjoyed immediately out of the oven.
Recipe Notes
- Italian Sausage: Choose between sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on personal preference. If using sausage links, remove the casings before cooking.
- Tortellini Type: This recipe’s timing and liquid quantities are optimized for fresh, refrigerated tortellini that cooks quickly (typically 4-5 minutes as indicated on the package).
- Storage: Baked Tortellini is best enjoyed hot right out of the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore the sauce’s consistency and prevent dryness.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Serving: 1 serving
- Calories: 743 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 70.6g
- Protein: 34.7g
- Fat: 37.2g
- Cholesterol: 113.5mg
- Sodium: 1836.4mg
- Fiber: 6.1g
- Sugar: 9.7g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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