Three-Ingredient Tortellini with Marinara and Chicken Sausage
A quick and kid-friendly pasta dish combining cheese tortellini, savory chicken sausage, and flavorful marinara sauce for an easy weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh or frozen cheese tortellini, marinara sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, 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 fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 links, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds chicken sausage
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add 12 oz cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, about 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini float and are tender. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While the tortellini cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 2 sliced chicken sausage links and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and pour 1 cup marinara sauce over the cooked chicken sausage. Stir to combine and let simmer gently for 2 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and toss everything together carefully, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta and sausage evenly.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Ingredient Tortellini with Marinara and Chicken Sausage take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Three-Ingredient Tortellini with Marinara and Chicken Sausage?
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 marinara sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Three-Ingredient Tortellini with Marinara and Chicken Sausage?
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 Three-Ingredient Tortellini with Marinara and Chicken Sausage for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Three-Ingredient Tortellini with Marinara and Chicken Sausage?
Italian pasta 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.
