Marinara Italian Sausage Tortellini Bake

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 24 ounces frozen cheese tortellini
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, then drain excess fat.
3. 3 Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
4. 4 In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, and oregano; season with salt.
5. 5 In a greased baking dish, layer half the tortellini, half the sausage, half the marinara sauce, and half the ricotta mixture.
6. 6 Repeat layers ending with marinara sauce and top with remaining mozzarella.
7. 7 Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. 8 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh parsley.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Oven

Variations

• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Use turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Substitutions

• Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lower-calorie option.
• If fresh tortellini is available, cook as directed on package.

Pairings

• Italian red wine
• Sparkling water with lemon

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, sauté minced garlic with the Italian sausage.
• This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad.
• Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.

FAQ