Italian Sausage with Tortellini

Ingredients

• Sausage – The sauce for this pasta dish is made with Italian sausage. We use mild Italian, but sweet and hot Italian sausage will work just as well. The great thing about Italian sausage is that it's a flavorful and versatile ingredient that's perfect for weeknight dinners. For more inspiration see this collection of Italian sausage recipes.
• Pasta – We use dry cheese-filled tortellini for this recipe. It’s convenient because it has a longer shelf life than fresh. Look for it in the pasta section of larger supermarkets. Fresh tortellini can be substituted. You can find it in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Take care not to overcook it, leave it al dente.
• Produce – Onions (yellow or white), garlic, and fresh spinach give this pasta dish a homemade without a long cooking time.
• Pantry – Convenience ingredients make this dish easy. Jarred pasta sauce gives us a head start. Use a meatless variety since we are adding the sausage. Canned diced tomatoes add texture and flavor to the sauce.
• Seasoning – This semi homemade sauce is seasoned with Italian seasoning and black pepper. We also need salt for the pasta water.
• Oil – We use olive oil to get the sausage started but you can substitute your favorite oil.
• Optional garnish – Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes make tasty options for serving.
• See recipe card for quantities and preparation method.

How to make Italian sausage with tortellini

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes to brown. Stir often and break up larger pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Remove excess oil rendered if desired (see cook’s note below).
2. Next, lower the heat to medium and add the diced onions. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Then, add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stir often.
4. Add the pasta sauce and the diced tomatoes. Stir well and let the sauce come to a simmer. Then, lower the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. In the meantime, cook the tortellini following the package directions. Drain well.
5. Add the spinach to the sauce a handful at a time. Stir well until it wilts then add another handful.
6. Lastly, add the cooked tortellini to the sauce. Stir well to combine, cover, and let it warm for 5 minutes.

Serve with parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, and crushed red pepper, if desired. Add a piece of crusty bread, homemade garlic bread, and a side salad for a delicious meal.

Storing and reheating instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container and refrigerate until it is chilled. Then, cover well, transfer it to the freezer and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat it in the microwave until hot all the way through. Alternatively, place the desired portion in a saucepan, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to loosen. Warm it on the stovetop on medium heat until hot, stir occasionally.
• You can also place it in an oven-safe dish, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to loosen it, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until hot throughout.
• Always heat leftovers to 165° F. For more information on food storage and safety guidelines visit U.S. Department of Agriculture and foodsafety.gov.