Baked Tortellini with Sausage

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or tomato sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (optional, for extra sauce)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)

• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the sausage:
   In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Build the sauce:
   Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in marinara, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.

3. Prepare tortellini:
   Cook tortellini in salted boiling water for 2–3 minutes less than package directions (they’ll finish baking). Drain.

4. Assemble:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, mix tortellini with sauce and sausage. Stir in ricotta if using.

5. Cheese topping:
   Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.

6. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. Finish & serve:
   Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.