Looking for a one-pan wonder that’s quick, delicious, and makes cleanup a breeze? Enter my new go-to: Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini. This delightful dish brings together vibrant vegetables, savory sausage, and cheesy tortellini, all roasted to perfection on a single sheet pan. Get ready to fall in love with weeknight dinners all over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoked sausage with sweet peppers and savory tortellini creates layers of flavor that will dance on your taste buds.
- Easy Cleanup: Everything cooks on one pan, making cleanup as easy as pie and leaving you with more time to enjoy your creation.
- Quick and Convenient: From start to finish, this dish is ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt toppings and ingredients to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, with each one playing a crucial role in building the rich, balanced flavors of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- 1 pound mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced: These peppers provide a vibrant color and a mild, smoky sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: Ensures everything roasts evenly and adds a touch of richness.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a hint of fragrant garlic without overpowering the dish.
- 1 pound smoked turkey sausage, cut into rounds: This adds smoky, savory notes to every bite.
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini: The tender, cheesy pasta perfectly complements the smoky sausage.
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping: Adds a salty, cheesy finish that brings everything together.
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: A fresh, zesty garnish that adds a pop of color.
Variations
The beauty of this Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini is its flexibility. Feel free to make it your own based on what you have or dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for plant-based alternatives or add more vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a little extra heat.
- Extra Cheese: Sprinkle with mozzarella or cheddar for gooey, cheesy goodness.
How to Make Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to a sizzling 425 degrees F. Spread the onions and peppers on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss everything together until well-coated.
Step 2: Add the Sausage
Arrange the rounds of smoked turkey sausage on top of the vegetables, nestling them right into the mix. Slide the pan into the oven and let everything roast for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the magic to happen.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
While your roasting delight is underway, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini, shaving a minute off the recommended cook time. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Combine and Roast Again
Once the veggies and sausage are nicely roasted, remove the pan and add the nearly-cooked tortellini. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan. Toss it all together and pop the pan back in the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven, and sprinkle generously with fresh chives and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately and bask in the compliments from your thrilled family or guests!
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini
- Roasting Perfection: Ensure the vegetables and sausage are spread out in a single layer for even roasting and caramelization.
- Pre-Cook Tortellini Lightly: Undercook the tortellini slightly to avoid mushy pasta after the final bake.
- Ingredient Prep: Be generous with the olive oil; it helps the flavors meld beautifully on the sheet pan.
- Cheese Alternatives: Use a mix of Parmesan and other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino for depth.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini
Garnishes
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor. It’s like putting on the final touches of a masterpiece.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of deliciousness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve directly from the sheet pan for a rustic, family-style meal, or plate individually and garnish with a few extra chives and Parmesan shavings for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to a month. Make sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh tortellini instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini is a wonderful option and can be cooked directly without adjusting the bake time for the final roast.
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What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients and roast them the day before. Just make sure to add the tortellini fresh before serving.
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Is smoked turkey sausage necessary, or can I use another type?
While smoked turkey sausage provides a unique flavor, you can substitute with chicken or pork sausage, or try a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
Give this Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini recipe a try and you’ll see why it’s quickly become a household favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and delightfully delicious—an absolute gem for any culinary enthusiast. Enjoy the harmony of flavors, and don’t forget to share the joy with friends and family!
Print
Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Tortellini is a quick and hearty American-style main dish featuring roasted smoked sausage, sweet peppers, onions, and cheese tortellini, all seasoned with garlic and topped with fresh chives and Parmesan. It’s an easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pound mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced
Condiments and Oils
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Meat
- 1 pound smoked turkey sausage, cut into rounds
Pasta and Dairy
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Herbs
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the sheet pan is hot enough to roast the vegetables and sausage properly.
- Prepare vegetables: Place the sliced onions and mini sweet peppers on a large baking sheet. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a big pinch of salt and pepper, and the ½ teaspoon of garlic powder until everything is well coated.
- Add sausage: Nestle the rounds of smoked turkey sausage on top of the vegetables on the sheet pan, distributing evenly.
- Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, and the sausage is browned.
- Cook tortellini: While the vegetables and sausage are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, shaving 1 minute off the recommended cook time for an al dente texture. Drain well once done.
- Add tortellini and olive oil: Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Add the cooked tortellini to the pan and toss everything with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Finish baking: Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, tossing once or twice to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Serve: Remove from oven. Garnish the dish with chopped chives and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes along with other seasonings.
- Feel free to substitute with different types of sausage or peppers according to your preference.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the sausage and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
