Description
Spicy Sausage Tortellini in Creamy Mascarpone Sauce is a rich and comforting pasta dish combining tender cheese-filled tortellini, perfectly spiced Italian sausage, and a luscious mascarpone-based sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder balances bold heat with creamy indulgence, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or cozy meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- Fresh or store-bought cheese-filled tortellini – about 12 oz
Protein
- Spicy Italian sausage – 12 oz, casing removed and crumbled
Dairy
- Mascarpone cheese – ½ cup
- Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, grated, plus extra for garnish
Vegetables & Aromatics
- Garlic cloves – 2, minced
- Onion – 1 small, diced
Liquids & Fats
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes – ¼ to ½ tsp, adjust to heat preference
- Fresh basil or parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove casing from spicy Italian sausage and crumble into the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant to build a flavorful base.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Make the Mascarpone Sauce: Lower heat on the sausage pan. Stir in mascarpone cheese and a splash of chicken broth to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir well to combine, letting it gently melt and thicken. Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to incorporate robust flavors.
- Combine and Finish: Add cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing everything so pasta is fully coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water in small amounts to reach desired creaminess. Finish by sprinkling fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh note.
Notes
- Use quality spicy Italian sausage to enhance flavor.
- Do not overcook tortellini; follow package instructions for al dente pasta.
- Add mascarpone cheese off the highest heat to avoid curdling.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency naturally.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving for maximum aroma and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg