This cheesy baked tortellini is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. Easy to make in one pan with tender cheese tortellini, savory sausage, marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella!
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Easy One-Pan Tortellini Bake
This baked tortellini is everything I love about a cozy pasta dinner. It reminds me of my tortellini sausage soup, but instead of a bowl of soup, you get cheesy, saucy pasta baked in one pan until perfectly melty and golden.
It’s a warm, family-friendly dinner that feels special without the extra effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and homemade. Unlike my creamy chicken tortellini alfredo, this one is made with a rich marinara base, melted mozzarella, and savory sausage in every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple and satisfying: Made with just 5 ingredients and one pan, it’s almost as easy as dump-and-bake. There’s no dicing or chopping needed, making cleanup a breeze.
- Cozy dinner: Ready in about 25 minutes, this baked tortellini is perfect for nights when you want something hearty and homemade but also need a few shortcuts.
Ingredients Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Tortellini: Use frozen cheese tortellini for convenience. You can swap in fresh tortellini if that’s what you have, just reduce the baking time slightly since it cooks faster.
- Sausage: Italian sausage adds flavor and richness. You can use mild or hot depending on your preference, or swap with ground beef, turkey, or even chicken.
- Marinara sauce: A good-quality jarred marinara makes this recipe so quick and easy. Use your favorite brand or homemade marinara for extra flavor.
- Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully for that gooey cheese pull. Either use a ball of fresh mozzarella or shred it from a block.
- Italian seasoning: Brings all the flavors together. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper or extra herbs like basil or oregano if you like.
How to Make Baked Tortellini
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any extra grease, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add the frozen tortellini. Stir until the pasta is well coated in sauce. Tear or slice the mozzarella and arrange it over the top.
Transfer the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Use an oven-safe pan: If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, simply transfer the tortellini mixture to a baking dish before topping with cheese and baking.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on it near the end so the cheese stays melty and golden, not dry or browned.
- Make it your own: Add spinach, mushrooms, peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Add a few dollops of ricotta like in my ricotta meatballs!
- Serving suggestions. I love to serve this baked tortellini with a side salad and my easy garlic bread.
Try these other pasta favorites including sausage tortellini soup, Italian tortellini pasta salad or creamy tomato tortellini soup!
More Baked Pasta Recipes
Baked Tortellini
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian pork , or ground beef
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 19 ounces tortellini , frozen
- 1 teaspooon Italian seasoning
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese , ball or shredded
- salt and pepper , to taste
Garnish: freshly chopped parsley or basil, fresh parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook ground pork: In a large skillet that is oven-safe, brown 1 pound ground pork until cooked through and crumbled. Drain grease, return to pan, and add salt, pepper and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to taste.
- Simmer sauce: Add 1 jar marinara sauce to the cooked ground pork and bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta: Add the frozen tortellini and mix well.
- Top with mozzarella: Tear the 4 ounces ball of mozzarella and place over the tortellini. Alternatively, spread the shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Bake: Place skillet in the oven and bake for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Garnish: Garnish with parsley, parmesan or basil and serve.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Fresh tortellini works great. Since it cooks faster than frozen, reduce the bake time by a few minutes so the pasta doesn’t overcook.
Yes, you can use dried tortellini. Since it’s not pre-cooked like frozen or fresh tortellini, you’ll need to boil it first according to the package directions before adding it to the sauce. Once drained, stir it into the sausage and marinara mixture, then bake as directed.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the sauce thickens, stir in a splash of marinara or water before reheating. Do not freeze leftovers.
Whitney Sims
I made this for dinner and it was super yummy!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
It’s such a great dinner when short on time!
Jon
Despite listing italian seasoning in the ingredients, no where in the directions does it say when to add it. Splitting hairs but my wife followed the instructions so it didn’t get added.
Proof reading is fundamental especially when the recipe is geared to novice cooks.
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Sorry about the Jon, I am sure it was still delicious! I have added when to add the Italian seasoning.