Pesto Tortellini & Sausage
Make this quick and delicious Pesto Tortellini & Sausage recipe in under 30 minutes! Packed with cheesy tortellini, savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant basil pesto, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Pesto Sausage & Tortellini is the ultimate comfort meal that combines rich, savory flavors with a fresh, herbaceous twist. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers in both taste and presentation. The creamy, cheesy tortellini perfectly complements the hearty sausage and earthy mushrooms, while the pesto and fresh basil add a burst of freshness that will leave your taste buds craving more.
This dish is versatile, quick to prepare, and feels like a gourmet meal without the fuss. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create this delicious recipe!
Ingredients Breakdown
1. Three-Cheese Tortellini (20 oz)
Why it works: These tender, cheese-filled pasta pillows create the base of the dish, offering a creamy and satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Tips: Look for fresh tortellini in the refrigerated section of your grocery store for the best flavor. Frozen or shelf-stable varieties work too but may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
2. Ground Sausage (1 lb)
Why it works: Sausage adds a savory depth of flavor with spices and herbs that complement the creamy tortellini and pesto. Choose mild, sweet, or spicy sausage depending on your preference.
Tips: Remove the sausage casing if using links for easier cooking. Turkey sausage is a great alternative for a leaner option.
3. Baby Bella Mushrooms (1 package, sliced)
Why it works: Mushrooms add an earthy richness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Tips: Wipe mushrooms clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt without soaking them. Slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
4. Butter (3 tbsp)
Why it works: Butter helps to sauté the mushrooms and garlic, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
Tips: Use unsalted butter to control the salt level, and substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
5. Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced)
Why it works: Garlic adds an aromatic and slightly spicy kick that ties all the flavors together.
Tips: Fresh garlic works best, but pre-minced garlic can save time in a pinch. Adjust the quantity based on your garlic tolerance.
6. Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Why it works: These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Tips: Season at multiple stages of cooking to build layers of flavor.
7. Basil Pesto (¼ cup)
Why it works: The pesto provides a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that elevates the dish from simple to sensational.
Tips: Use a high-quality store-bought pesto or make your own for maximum freshness.
8. Fresh Basil (¼ cup, chopped)
Why it works: Fresh basil adds a pop of color and an extra layer of herbal flavor.
Tips: Stack and roll the basil leaves before slicing for an elegant chiffonade cut.
9. Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup, grated)
Why it works: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that melds beautifully with the pesto.
Tips: Grate fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
10. Pecorino Romano (¼ cup, optional)
Why it works: Pecorino adds an extra layer of sharp, tangy flavor for cheese lovers.
Tips: This is optional but highly recommended for an extra cheesy punch.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini.
Drain and set aside. Toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms
Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
4. Toast the Tortellini
Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are lightly toasted.
5. Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Combine Everything
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cooked sausage, basil pesto, chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, and Pecorino Romano (if using). Mix until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
7. Serve
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with additional basil and Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Customize the Protein: Swap sausage for chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the pesto for an indulgently creamy sauce.
Add Veggies: Incorporate spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why You Will Love This Dish
Time-Saving: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful: Each bite is packed with a harmonious blend of savory, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors.
Customizable: Easy to adapt to dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry.
Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Pesto Tortellini & Sausage
Ingredients
- Three-Cheese Tortellini (20 oz)
- Ground Sausage (1 lb)
- Baby Bella Mushrooms (1 package, sliced).
- Butter (3 tbsp)
- Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Basil Pesto (¼ cup)
- Fresh Basil (¼ cup, chopped)
- Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup, grated)
- Pecorino Romano (¼ cup, optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini.
- Drain and set aside. Toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
- Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are lightly toasted.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cooked sausage, basil pesto, chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, and Pecorino Romano (if using). Mix until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with additional basil and Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Customize the Protein: Swap sausage for chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
- Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the pesto for an indulgently creamy sauce.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Are you ready to wow your family with this easy, flavorful dish? Try this Pesto Sausage & Tortellini recipe tonight and let us know what you think! Share your creations on Instagram using #CookSnapBake, and don’t forget to tag us @cooksnapbake. We love seeing your culinary masterpieces!
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