Cheesy Tortellini with Chicken Sausage and Marinara
Creamy cheese tortellini simmered in savory marinara with savory chicken sausage for a comforting weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 25 minutes pairs cheese tortellini, marinara sauce, chicken sausage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 12 oz chicken sausage
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz cheese tortellini and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender, draining and reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, slice 12 oz chicken sausage into 1/2-inch rounds. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook sausage for 5-7 minutes until browned, then set aside.
- Step 3: Add 24 oz marinara sauce to the skillet and warm for 3 minutes. Stir in drained tortellini and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing until coated. Add browned sausage and simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Tortellini with Chicken Sausage and Marinara take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Tortellini with Chicken Sausage and Marinara?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cheese tortellini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Tortellini with Chicken Sausage and Marinara?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Tortellini with Chicken Sausage and Marinara for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cheesy Tortellini with Chicken Sausage and Marinara?
Italian kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids ate two helpings! The cheese pulled perfectly and the sausage kept it from being too sweet.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my toddler's first 'grown-up' dinner - zero complaints and the sauce was creamy.
- ★★★★★
Weeknight lifesaver! Skipped the tortellini and used frozen ravioli instead, still perfect.
