If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together with ease, Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake is the answer. Soft cheese-filled pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a bubbling layer of golden mozzarella create a dish that feels like a restaurant meal straight from your oven. I remember the first time I baked this—it had the whole house smelling of garlic, herbs, and bubbling cheese, and my family couldn’t resist sneaking tastes before it hit the table. It’s hearty, satisfying, and simple enough that even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll pull it off with confidence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation. Here’s why:

Packed with flavor – Italian sausage and tomato sauce make the tortellini irresistible.
Beginner-friendly – Easy steps with no tricky techniques.
Flexible – Add veggies, switch cheeses, or try a different protein.
Comfort food made simple – Big payoff with minimal prep time.

The Story Behind Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake

Pasta bakes like Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake have a rich history rooted in Italian comfort cooking. Here are a few quick notes:

Tortellini’s roots – This stuffed pasta originated in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
Baked tradition – Italians layered pasta and cheese long before casseroles became an American staple.
Practicality – Pasta bakes stretch ingredients to feed families affordably.
Modern favorite – Today, it’s a go-to comfort meal across kitchens worldwide.

Key Ingredients in Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake

Cheese tortellini (9 oz. package) – Tender pasta filled with creamy cheese, the star of the dish.
Italian sausage (½ lb.) – Adds savory depth and hearty bite.
Onions (½ cup, finely chopped) – Sweetens and balances the sauce.
Tomato sauce (3 cups/24 oz.) – A rich, tangy base for everything.
Fresh parsley (¼ cup) – Brightens flavors and makes the dish pop.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasoning for balance.
Olive oil (2 tbsp.) – Used to sauté and build flavor.
Mozzarella (1 cup shredded) – Melts into gooey, golden perfection.
Parmesan (2 tbsp. grated) – A sharp, salty finish.

How to Make Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake

Here’s how to bring this dish together:

Preheat oven – Set to 350°F and get your skillet ready.
Cook the tortellini – Boil in salted water for 8–10 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Brown the sausage – Heat olive oil in a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Add sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Cook 5–7 minutes until golden.
Add onions – Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Stir well.
Make the sauce – Stir in tomato sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
Combine with tortellini – Add the cooked pasta, stirring to fully coat in the sauce.
Top with cheese – Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the top.
Bake until golden – Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake 10–12 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Finish and serve – Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan.

Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake Tips and Twists

5 Tips:

Slightly undercook tortellini so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
Use a cast-iron skillet to go from stovetop to oven seamlessly.
Shred your own mozzarella—it melts better than pre-shredded.
Taste the sauce before baking and adjust seasoning.
Let it rest a few minutes before serving for cleaner portions.

3 Twists:

Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Swap sausage with chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Use Alfredo instead of tomato sauce for a creamy twist.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Make the most of your Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake with these tips:

Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or microwave individual servings until hot.
Make-Ahead: Assemble everything (without baking), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty bake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with sides:

Add a crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad for freshness.
Serve alongside Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese for a cheesy, indulgent side.
Balance richness with roasted Broccoli and Carrots.
Pour a glass of sparkling lemonade or iced tea to keep things light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes—just boil it a minute or two longer before baking.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace sausage with mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty option.

Can I freeze leftovers?
You can. Store portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—bake in a larger dish and extend cooking time by 5–7 minutes.

Do I need fresh parsley?
Not at all. Dried parsley works if that’s what you have on hand.

Enjoy Your Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake

Few meals are as satisfying as a bubbling Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake pulled fresh from the oven. Each bite is loaded with gooey cheese, tender pasta, and savory sausage, making it a family favorite that disappears fast. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you make it, you’ll see why this dish becomes a weeknight staple and the kind of recipe you’ll crave again and again.

Explore More Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are more cozy dishes to try:

Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti – another creamy, comforting pasta bake.
Quick Cheddar Bay Biscuits – flaky, cheesy, and perfect with pasta.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna – a layered pasta dish for creamy lovers.
Chocolate Fudge Cake – rich and indulgent, the perfect dessert after a hearty meal.

Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake | Easy Comfort Food

This Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy pasta, savory sausage, and golden melted cheese. It’s simple to make, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without much effort.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Keyword baked tortellini, Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake, easy weeknight dinner, pasta bake recipe, sausage pasta recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings 4 servings

Calories 420kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

1 package 9 oz. cheese tortellini
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ lb. Italian sausage
½ cup onion finely chopped
3 cups 24 oz. tomato sauce
¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt or to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
Extra parsley and Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini 8–10 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it into crumbles.
Stir in chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add tomato sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
Stir in cooked tortellini until fully coated in sauce.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan before serving.

Notes

For best results, slightly undercook the tortellini before baking—it will finish in the oven. To switch things up, try making this Cheesy Tortellini and Sausage Bake with Alfredo sauce instead of tomato for a creamier twist.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 780mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g