If you are craving a comforting dish that beautifully combines hearty flavors and creamy indulgence, this Italian Sausage Tortellini in a Rich Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender cheese tortellini swimming in a luscious tomato cream sauce, punctuated with savory Italian sausage and just the right hint of herbs and spice. This dish is a celebration of rustic Italian flavors made simple and approachable, bringing warmth and delight to your dinner table without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Italian Sausage Tortellini in a Rich Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is a breeze thanks to its straightforward and fresh ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, from the robust sausage that delivers savory depth to the creamy finish that balances the tang of tomatoes perfectly.
- Olive oil: Key for sautéing and adding a fruity richness to the base of the sauce.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings savory, spiced meatiness that forms the heart of the dish.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and texture after gentle sautéing.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and classic Italian flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can): Provides the vibrant, tangy core of the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Lightens and extends the sauce while adding savory notes.
- Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs that deepen the sauce’s flavor profile elegantly.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick of heat to awaken the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and round out all the flavors.
- Fresh cheese tortellini (9-ounce package): Pillowy pasta pockets filled with comforting cheese.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth, rich tomato cream sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty sharpness and melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Baby spinach: Offers a fresh, slightly earthy note and vibrant green color.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For garnish, elevating both aroma and presentation at the table.
How to Make Italian Sausage Tortellini in a Rich Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, removing it from casings first, then break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step forms the flavorful foundation for the sauce with caramelized meat juices.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion directly into the skillet and cook until softened, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until it smells heavenly—about 1 minute. This builds a sweet and aromatic base, layering flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and if you love a touch of heat, the red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper for a perfectly balanced sauce. Combining these ingredients now will meld the herbs and spices into those rich tomato flavors.
Step 4: Simmer to Develop Flavor
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then let it cook gently for about 10 minutes. This step concentrates the flavors and allows the herbs and sausage to infuse deeply into the tomato base, making each bite comforting and full of character.
Step 5: Cook Tortellini Right in the Sauce
Add your fresh cheese tortellini directly into the simmering sauce. Cook according to the package instructions, typically 7 to 9 minutes. This technique means the pasta soaks up the rich sauce as it cooks, resulting in a dish that’s cohesive and delightfully saucy.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat to maintain a gentle warmth, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients smooth out the acidity of the tomatoes and add a silky, indulgent texture that truly makes this Italian Sausage Tortellini in a Rich Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe stand out.
Step 7: Add Greens for Freshness
Finally, fold in the baby spinach, stirring gently just until the leaves wilt. This not only adds a lovely pop of green but also a subtle freshness that beautifully balances the richness of the sauce and sausage.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Give the sauce a final taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve this irresistible dish hot, optionally garnished with vibrant fresh basil leaves for that extra zing of freshness and color contrast.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Tortellini in a Rich Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a perfect garnish, adding a fragrant herbal note that complements the creamy, savory sauce. A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan at the table also lets guests add their own little boost of cheesiness for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Serve this sausage tortellini alongside a crisp Caesar salad or some garlicky roasted vegetables. A warm crusty bread is also fantastic to sop up every last bit of that rich tomato cream sauce, making sure none of the deliciousness goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try plating the tortellini in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of basil on top and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Or, assemble the dish in a pretty casserole for casual family-style serving that invites everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Italian Sausage Tortellini in a Rich Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. This makes it a fantastic option for easy reheating during busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish well in advance, freeze it in a suitable container after it has cooled completely. For best taste and texture, consume within 1 to 2 months. Note that fresh spinach might change texture slightly after freezing, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the sauce creamy and avoid drying out the tortellini.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage for a hotter flavor?
Absolutely! Spicy Italian sausage will add an extra kick to your dish, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy tomato sauce. Just adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Is fresh or frozen tortellini better for this recipe?
Fresh tortellini works best here because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully. Frozen tortellini can be used but may require a slightly longer cooking time and might not be as tender.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind that the texture won’t be as rich and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to enhance flavor if you opt for a lighter dairy product.
What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can substitute in a pinch. Just keep the seasoning balanced so the sauce doesn’t turn out too bland.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap out the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. You can still enjoy the creamy tomato goodness with plenty of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage Tortellini in a Rich Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests with its hearty layers and creamy charm. Give it a try, and it might just become one of your go-to comfort meals that everyone keeps asking for.
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Italian Sausage Tortellini in a Rich Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe combines savory Italian sausage with tender cheese tortellini in a flavorful tomato and cream sauce. Enhanced with garlic, herbs, and fresh spinach, this one-pan meal is both comforting and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Finishing Ingredients
- 1 package (9-ounce) fresh cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the tortellini to the skillet and cook according to package directions, usually 7-9 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and heated through.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, and gently stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and the cheese is melted.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring gently until the leaves are wilted.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add crushed chili peppers.
- Fresh tortellini is preferred for best texture, but frozen can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in a microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and verify that the broth and sausage contain no gluten ingredients.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a lower-fat Parmesan alternative.
