Sausage Pesto Tortellini Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
571 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Sausage Pesto Tortellini Casserole
Description
This casserole starts with boiling three-cheese tortellini until just shy of fully done per package instructions, then stirring them with pesto to distribute flavor while still firm. In a skillet, sliced chicken or pork sweet sausages are browned to develop color, then removed from heat. The cooked sausages are combined with the pesto-coated tortellini, fresh spinach, and halved grape tomatoes, being careful not to crush delicate ingredients. The mixture is stirred with shredded mozzarella, reserving some cheese for topping.
The combined contents are placed in an olive-oil-coated casserole dish, topped with the remaining cheese, then baked at 400°F until the cheese melts and browns slightly, creating a gratin layer. This produces a creamy texture and melds the flavors of pesto and sausage with fresh vegetables. The spinach wilts throughout, while tomatoes provide bursts of juiciness.
Serve this pasta bake as a hearty main course that balances rich cheese and savory sausage against bright pesto and fresh veggies. It’s suited for family meals or casual dinners. The recipe's timing keeps the pasta firm and prevents overcooking during baking. The final dish is warm, cheesy, and layered with herb and tomato notes.
Ingredients
- 1 package three cheese tortellini 1lb
- 7 oz pesto
- 3 chicken sausage or pork sausages, sweet
- 3 cups spinach fresh
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 20 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Add water to a large pot over medium-high heat; once the water starts to boil, cook the tortellini by following the recommended time on the package, usually 5-7 minutes. Cook for 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time. Drain and return the tortellini to the pot. Add the pesto and stir gently until combined.
- In the meantime, place a large skillet over medium heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Slice the sausages and add them to the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the sausages start to brown. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Add the browned sausages, tomatoes, spinach, and cheese to the pot with the tortellini. Stir well but gently so as not to crush the tomatoes or the tortellini. Save a little cheese, about 1 cup, to top the casserole.
- Add a little olive oil, about one tablespoon, to a 9-inch casserole dish. Add the tortellini mixture to the casserole, top with the remaining cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top layer looks golden—light brown.
- Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 571 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0g | |
| Calories | 571kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 120mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 1226mg | 51% |
| Potassium | 214mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 2400IU | 48% |
| Vitamin C | 8.3mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 555mg | 56% |
| Iron | 2.4mg | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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