Tortellini with Sausage and Marinara
Tender cheese-filled tortellini simmered in savory marinara sauce with browned chicken sausage for a cozy meal that comes together in 15 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs tortellini, marinara sauce, chicken sausage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 225 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 tortellini
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 12 oz chicken sausage
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1/2 tsp salt; cook 12 oz tortellini for 8 minutes until tender, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook 12 oz sliced chicken sausage for 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup marinara sauce to the skillet with the sausage, stirring to combine, then add the drained tortellini and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and is heated through, about 2 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tortellini with Sausage and Marinara take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Tortellini with 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 tortellini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tortellini with 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 Tortellini with 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 Tortellini with Sausage and Marinara?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! Sausage melted into the marinara beautifully. Served with crusty bread - total comfort food perfection.
- ★★★★☆
Marinara was slightly bland without extra herbs. Took 40 mins to cook tortellini instead of 20 as listed.
- ★★★★☆
My kids devoured these tortellini! Perfect balance of sausage and marinara. Made it for dinner party - everyone loved it.
