Tortellini with Sausage and Mascarpone

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When I tell you this Tortellini with Sausage and Mascarpone needs to be on your weekly cooking schedule... I mean it. IT IS INSANE! Similar to Cheesy Taco Pasta it comes together in 30 minutes on the stovetop for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

An overhead shot of a black cast iron skillet filled with tortellini in a glossy red sauce that has crumbled Italian sausage and mascarpone. It's garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese. To the left there is a small grey ceramic bowl of more parmesan cheese and a white pepper mill below on a wooden board with a kitchen towel in the right corner


 

Why I Love This Recipe

Are you ready to make something special for dinner tonight? If so, then give this delicious Tortellini with Sausage dish a try! Whether it's just for yourself or you're feeding the whole family, this savory meal will delight everyone at the table. Not only is it packed with flavor and simple to prepare, but it also takes under 30 minutes to make. So no matter what type of home cook you are, if you're looking for a delicious weeknight dinner that won't take up too much time, Tortellini with Sausage is exactly what your next culinary adventure should be all about!

When you're in need of a comforting pasta dish, this is it! The sausage, the sauce, the mascarpone, the freshly made pasta – it’s a recipe for success. We’ve been making this as a quick and easy weeknight meal and all 3 of us are obsessed, Poppy included.

It's great recipe to have in your back pocket for family that's coming into town over the next few weeks and you can easily double or triple it as needed. It comes together in under 20 minutes and it's perfect when served alongside my Winter Greens Salad

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Spicy Italian Sausage
  • Garlic
  • Shallot 
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Red Sauce - any type of red sauce works so use your favorite
  • Heavy Cream
  • Mascarpone Cheese 
  • Refrigerated Tortellini
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Parmesan Cheese

How to Make Tortellini

Take the sausage meat out of the casings and crumble it into a skillet. Cook it over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it's browned. Drain most of the fat and leave the sausage in the pan.

Add the garlic, shallot, and red pepper flakes to the same pan and saute for 60 seconds. Add the red sauce, cream, and mascarpone. Cook for 5-7 minutes until saucy.

Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Save ¼ cup of the pasta water and add it to the sauce along with the drained pasta. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve with fresh parmesan sprinkled over top.

Tips & Tricks

I bought the Tortellini from my local Italian market so it was extra fresh. If you have access to a local Italian market, might be worth a stop to pick some up. Any filling would be delish! 

FAQs

What is the main difference between ravioli and tortellini?

The main difference is the shape. Ravioli are usually square or circle and tortellini are rolled into a small crescent shape ring.

Are tortellini and gnocchi similar?

Tortellini is traditionally stuffed with cheese or a mixture of meat and cheese, whereas gnocchi is more like a little dumpling typically made with potato, eggs, and flour.

What is tortellini filled with?

Tortellini is traditionally filled with a mixture of meat and/or cheese.

Similar Recipes

If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today

Tortellini with Sausage and Mascarpone

Author: Gaby Dalkin
4.9 from 36 votes
A quick and easy Tortellini with Sausage and Mascarpone that makes for the perfect weeknight meal!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups of your favorite red sauce
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 9-ounce package refrigerated tortellini
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste

Instructions
 

  • Take the sausage meat out of the casings and crumble it into a skillet. Cook it over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it's browned. Drain most of the fat and leave the sausage in the pan.
  • Add the garlic, shallot, and red pepper flakes to the same pan and saute for 60 seconds. Add the red sauce, cream, and mascarpone. Cook for 5-7 minutes until saucy.
  • Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Save ¼ cup of the pasta water and add it to the sauce along with the drained pasta. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve with fresh parmesan sprinkled over top.

Notes

Hot tip: I bought the Tortellini from my local Italian market so it was extra fresh. If you have access to a local Italian market, might be worth a stop to pick some up. Any filling would be delish! 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 449kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 1225mg | Potassium: 636mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1095IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg
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Photography by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson

36 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is so simple to make and delicious! I had some chorizo sausage and used that and added some zucchini. I love how the added mascarpone and cream take the edge off the tomato and make such a tasty and creamy sauce. This is definitely a keeper!

  2. 5 stars
    This actually was fast and easy and took less than 30 minutes. Often recipes promise that, but it isn't often true. I used Michael's of Brooklyn Marinara Sauce, which was on the pricey side, but worth it for a recipe like this where the sauce takes center stage.

  3. 5 stars
    Big hit with the whole family! Super easy to pull together. I added baby spinach to include a veggie. Will definitely be making this again.

  4. 5 stars
    This came together so quick, far faster than I expected! I added spinach and it was the most delicious, complete meal. Thank you!

  5. Wondering if anyone has any suggestions for how to make this dairy free? I have a substitute for the cream but am looking for what I could replace the mascarpone with… ?

  6. 5 stars
    This pasta is absolutely divine! It is a quick dish to put together that tastes so good! The sauce is perfection and so delicous! This will go on our rotation my husband loved it.

  7. 5 stars
    This has become my go-to last-minute, people are coming over for dinner dish. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread and everyone is impressed! Easy to make and easy to clean up! 10/10 would recommend anytime!!! And if you have the time, this goes really well with Gaby’s tiramisu recipe!! 🙂

  8. 5 stars
    This was delicious!! I had to make substitutions because I found this last minute and couldn't find mascarpone and just used my regular sauce. I used cream cheese, ricotta, and heavy cream; OMG

  9. 5 stars
    1st time visiting your page (Followed link from LauryLauren). Loved this flavorful & easy recipe. The shallot is perfect in it. Kid approved!

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