Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini

This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food — rich, cheesy, and ready in just 25 minutes. Juicy Italian sausage, tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, and a luscious tomato-Alfredo sauce come together in one skillet, finished with melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of herbs. It’s a weeknight lifesaver that feels like something from your favorite Italian-American bistro.

Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests, this dish is fast, filling, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples, making it perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” moments.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pan, no-fuss cooking
A rich mix of marinara and Alfredo sauces
Cheese tortellini adds satisfying texture
Comforting yet quick enough for weeknights
Can easily be customized with veggies or spice

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 4)

1 lb Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
15 oz Rao’s Alfredo sauce
15 oz Rao’s Marinara sauce
19 oz frozen cheese tortellini
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dried parsley flakes (for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease to keep the dish rich but not oily.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic, Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to create a smooth, creamy, and flavorful sauce base.

Step 3: Add the Tortellini

Add the frozen cheese tortellini directly into the skillet. Stir to coat well with the sauce. Cover and cook for 4–6 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and heated through.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Top the tortellini with shredded mozzarella. If your skillet is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If not, keep it covered on the stove until the cheese melts.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle dried parsley flakes over the top for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy that creamy, cheesy, herby goodness.

Tips for Success

Use sweet or spicy sausage depending on your preference
No tortellini? Substitute with ravioli or penne pasta
Want extra veggies? Stir in spinach or mushrooms during the simmer step
For extra richness, stir in 2 tbsp of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream

FAQs

Can I use refrigerated tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes! Just reduce the cooking time slightly as fresh tortellini heats faster.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best fresh, but leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or water.

Is it spicy?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat. Adjust or omit based on your spice tolerance.

Can I freeze it?
Creamy sauces can separate when frozen. For best texture, enjoy fresh or refrigerated.

Perfect For

Busy weeknights
Cozy family dinners
Potluck or shared meals
Make-ahead meal prep
Satisfying comfort food cravings

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini brings together the best of creamy pasta, hearty sausage, and gooey cheese — all in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect balance of bold flavor and cozy texture, and the kind of recipe you’ll keep in rotation because it’s just that good.

With minimal prep and only one skillet to wash, it’s ideal for anyone who wants maximum comfort with minimum effort. Serve with a green salad or warm garlic bread, and dinner is done.

Share Your Creation

Tried this recipe? Show off your skillet success!
Tag your version with #CreamyTortelliniBake — whether you added spinach, extra spice, or served it family-style, we’d love to see your take!