Tortellini and Sausage Casserole
A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring cheese tortellini and Italian sausage, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini Fresh or frozen
- 1 pound Italian sausage Sweet or spicy Italian sausage; turkey sausage can be used for a healthier option
- 24 ounces marinara sauce Your favorite jar or homemade with garlic and basil
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Can substitute with Monterey Jack
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping
- 1 medium onion Chopped
- 3 cloves garlic Minced
- 2 handfuls spinach or kale Optional for added nutrition
- 1 teaspoon olive oil For cooking the sausage
- to taste salt and pepper Essential pantry staples
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Gently fold in the cheese tortellini and spinach or kale, if using, ensuring everything is coated in the sauce.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously on top.
Cooking
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
Consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition. For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.