THREE-CHEESE TORTELLINI WITH CREAMY ITALIAN SAUSAGE MARINARA

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Three-Cheese Tortellini With Creamy Italian Sausage Marinara image

This is a dish I invented to try and get my picky-eater son to eat something other than macaroni and cheese, hotdogs, or hamburgers! He always thought regular marinara sauce was too "strong tasting"....I think it is just too acidic for him. However, he loves cheese and loves italian sausage. Much to my surprise, I have found that I love this dish as well. I prefer to make the sauce myself, but if you are pressed for time, substitute your favorite pre-made sauce and just add the italian sausage and cream. If you aren't a fan of italian sausage, substitute 1/2 the sausage for ground beef or ground turkey. The rosemary is optional. I like it, but some don't like the taste. If you don't have a picky eater, I would add some mushrooms and possibly some bell peppers. I think those would be nice with the dish.

Provided by breezermom

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h45m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

20 ounces refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
1 lb Italian sausage, Casings Removed
1/2 small onion, finely diced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes or 1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 cup red wine (don't use cooking wine, use a tastey red wine you would drink!)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
1 teaspoon basil
1 1/2 teaspoons parsley flakes
1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 cup water, depending on your simmering time
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1/4 cup romano cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • In a large, heavy stockpot or dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up to the consistency you desire.
  • Add the onions and cook until they are soft. Drain the grease from the pot.
  • Add garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, parsley, marjoram, sugar, salt, pepper, and rosemary (if desired). When adding the water, consider how long you will be simmering. The water helps to merge the flavors, but you do not want the sauce to be too thin. If you will be simmering your sauce for a shorter amount of time, add less water. Stir all these ingredients together and bring to a slow boil.
  • Stir in red wine.
  • Simmer on low for at least an hour. Then add the cheeses and the heavy cream. Stir well, until the cream and cheeses are well blended into the sauce. Stir occasionally while the tortellini is cooking to prevent the sauce from sticking and to prevent the cream from scorching.
  • Bring water to a boil in another pot for the tortellini. Add a little olive oil to prevent the tortellini from sticking. Once the water comes to a boil, add the tortellini. Cook according to the package directions.
  • I usually reserve some of the sauce for spaghetti for another day -- I add some sauteed mushrooms then. I try to ration the sauce to the amount of tortellini. If you like lots of sauce, use all the sauce. But if not, save some for another pasta dish. It freezes well. At my house, it never lasts long enough to freeze!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 599.8, Fat 43.1, SaturatedFat 19.9, Cholesterol 116.9, Sodium 2270, Carbohydrate 26.2, Fiber 4.9, Sugar 6.4, Protein 28

Mdalifahamed Ahamed
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This is my new favorite recipe! It's so easy to make, and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


James Gividen Sr
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I made this recipe for a potluck, and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it.


Janta Machine
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I'm not a huge fan of Italian sausage, so I used ground beef instead. It turned out just as delicious!


Lilita Kakaza
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This recipe is a great base, but I like to add my own personal touch. I usually add some chopped mushrooms and bell peppers to the sauce, and I also like to use a different type of cheese, such as Parmesan or Asiago.


Emmanuel Iloegbunam
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I followed the recipe exactly, but my sauce turned out too watery. I'm not sure what I did wrong.


Mia Barber
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This recipe was a bit too bland for my taste. I think it could have used some more spices or herbs. The tortellini was also a bit overcooked.


Mgo Poladian
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I've made this recipe a few times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The cheese tortellini is so soft and tender, and the sauce is creamy and flavorful. I highly recommend this recipe!


Mesum Mehrani
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This is one of my go-to recipes when I'm short on time. It's so easy to make, and it always turns out delicious. I love that I can use whatever vegetables I have on hand, and it always comes out great.


Zainab Ismail
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I made this dish last night and it was a hit with my family. The sauce is so creamy and flavorful, and the tortellini cooked perfectly. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal.


Ayebaze Shallon
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This recipe is a winner! The flavors of the cheese tortellini, creamy Italian sausage, and marinara sauce come together perfectly. I especially love the addition of the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, which add a nice pop of color and flavor.