Sausage Sage Tortellini with Brown Butter Sauce
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever crave something comforting but kinda fancy? Me too. That’s why I’m sharing my sausage tortellini recipe. This dish is seriously amazing. It's quick, easy and the perfect weeknight pasta dish .
Why This Sausage Tortellini Recipe Rocks
Italian sausage tortellini recipe might sound intimidating. Honestly, it’s simpler than you think! This recipe, with its rich brown butter sauce , is inspired by the Emilia Romagna pasta tradition.
It's also a nod to gourmet comfort food . It's a warm hug in a bowl!
Sausage and Sage: A Flavor Match Made in Heaven
This dish combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage tortellini recipe with fragrant sage. The sausage and sage tortellini filling is so flavorful! We're talking about a delightful nutty brown butter sauce too.
It's ready in under an hour with some store-bought pasta.. Or about 1 hour 50 minutes if you want to go all out and make homemade tortellini from scratch! The recipe yields four servings.
Health Benefits and Occasions
Beyond the delicious taste, this recipe delivers a protein punch. The protein from the sausage keeps you full. It's perfect for a cozy night in.
Or even a casual dinner party with friends. What makes this sausage tortellini dish special is its balance. It's both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Honestly, getting the right stuff together before you start cooking makes life so much easier. No one wants to be halfway through making sausage tortellini and realize they're out of butter, right? Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt.
So, let's nail down what we need for this Italian sausage tortellini recipe.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
For the sausage filling, you'll need 1 pound (450g) of Italian sausage. Sweet or spicy, your call. Quality is key.
Look for sausage from a butcher or a brand you trust. Then 1/2 cup (50g) of grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is always best.
Add 1/4 cup (15g) of chopped fresh sage. Essential! This is a sausage and sage tortellini. Grab one large egg and just a 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
Salt and pepper, of course!
Now, for the tortellini with brown butter itself. If you're going the homemade tortellini route, you'll need 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting.
Three large eggs, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt. If you're like me and sometimes short on time, high-quality store-bought is totally fine.
Aim for 1 pound (450g) of fresh or frozen cheese tortellini . I will not judge you!
Then we have the brown butter sauce. Oh my gosh this sauce. It's what makes this gourmet comfort food amazing.
You'll need 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter please, use good butter. 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine. Something like Sauvignon Blanc works a treat.
Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You
Sage and sausage? Chef's kiss . It's a classic Italian combo. The nutmeg in the filling adds a subtle warmth. Don't skip it! For extra flavour, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sausage filling is a good shout.
If you don't have white wine, a splash of chicken or veg stock will do. Remember this is supposed to be a weeknight pasta dish , not rocket science!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You'll need a large skillet for the sausage. A big pot for boiling the pasta. Mixing bowls for the filling.
A microplane or fine grater for the Parmesan and nutmeg. If you're making tortellini from scratch, you'll need a rolling pin.
Or, if you're feeling fancy, a pasta machine. A slotted spoon to rescue those little pasta parcels. No need for any crazy expensive gear.
A good old frying pan can act as a replacement for your skillet. Also, did you know that in Emilia Romagna, pasta making is an art form passed down through generations?
This italian sausage tortellini recipe is all about using accessible equipment and ingredients to achieve maximum flavour. You ready?
Cooking Method: Level Up Your Sausage Tortellini Game
Honestly, who doesn't love a good pasta dish? And sausage tortellini ? Oh my gosh, it's the ultimate comfort food.
But let's ditch the basic and dive into making a truly killer dish. This is like, Italian grandma level stuff, only way easier.
Think gourmet comfort food you can whip up on a weeknight!
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, get your stuff together. This is called mise en place , super fancy way of saying "get organised!".
If you are making homemade tortellini , it may take one hour thirty minutes. If not it will only take 30.
Remove the italian sausage from its casing. Chop your sage. Grate your Parmesan. Honestly, having everything prepped saves so much time.
I even put my butter in the skillet now. No accidents allowed! A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one.
step-by-step to Tortellini Heaven
Okay, let's get cooking.
- Brown that italian sausage , breaking it up into crumbles. Cook it until brown . Drain any excess fat. We want flavor, not grease!
- Stir in the parmesan, fresh sage , egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside. You’ve just made an amazing filling.
- Cook the fresh tortellini recipe according to package directions. Usually it is done after around 3- 5 minutes .
- Melt 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter in a skillet. Cook until it turns a beautiful brown color. Watch it carefully, it can burn fast!
- Stir in 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice . This is how you deglaze the pan for a brown butter sauce . Add parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the cooked sausage tortellini in the brown butter sauce . Make sure every piece gets coated.
- Serve immediately. And sprinkle with more Parmesan, because why not?
Pro Tips for Sausage and Sage Tortellini Perfection
Want to really nail this? When using store-bought tortellini, look for the fresh tortellini recipe or the ones refrigerated. If you overfill your tortellini, they might burst, so be careful.
It's about quality over quantity. Also, don't skip the sage butter sauce pasta . The sage is key, it gives an earthy fragrance that pairs perfectly.
Speaking of sage, I actually grew my own this year. First time trying that and it was a game changer.
A simple sprinkle of fresh herb makes this a true Emilia Romagna pasta
Homemade tortellini can be a little time consuming. You can also prep the sausage filling a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge.
These weeknight pasta dishes will be the best ever!
Recipe Notes for the Best Sausage Tortellini
Right, let's dive into some notes to make your sausage tortellini experience the best it can be! Honestly, even the simplest weeknight pasta dishes can be elevated with a few pro tips.
I've made this italian sausage tortellini recipe more times than I can count, and I've learned a few things along the way.
You know?
Plating and Presentation Ideas
Fancy it up! A simple swirl of tortellini with brown butter in a bowl looks amazing. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan.
For extra credit, try drizzling a tiny bit more brown butter sauce over the top. It makes it look super gourmet comfort food .
Serve it in a shallow bowl. Arrange the sausage and sage tortellini artfully. A sprig of fresh sage adds a touch of elegance.
Complementary Sides or Beverages
A crisp green salad is a must. A simple lemon vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the sauce. Crusty bread for sopping up that incredible sage butter sauce pasta ? Absolutely! A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio is my personal fave.
It is the perfect complement to this Emilia Romagna pasta.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your leftover sausage and sage tortellini in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for 3-4 days .
Honestly, it tastes just as good the next day. I might even say better!
Freezing Options (if applicable)
Freezing this dish is possible but has a catch. The cooked tortellini can get a bit mushy when thawed. If you are using homemade tortellini, you can freeze it uncooked before boiling.
Place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. It'll keep for up to 2 months .
Cook from frozen.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, gently warm the tortellini in a skillet over medium low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
You can microwave it, but that can sometimes make the pasta a bit rubbery, you know?
Dietary Adaptations
Want to make it veggie? Swap the sausage for ricotta and spinach. Boom! Vegetarian sausage and sage tortellini . To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini.
There are some decent ones out there now.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
In the fall, try adding roasted butternut squash to the brown butter sauce . During summertime, some fresh basil would be divine.
It adds a wonderful fresh flavor. Use whatever you find at your farmers market.
Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's keep it real. This isn't exactly health food, is it? A serving packs about 650 calories. But it's packed with protein (around 35g!) and some good fats (40g) from the butter.
A small portion of carbs (40g).
The key health benefits? Happiness, obviously! Seriously, though, you are getting protein, calcium, and some vitamins. It's all about balance, yeah?
So there you have it! All the tips and tricks to make this sausage tortellini dish a total knockout. Don't be scared to get creative and experiment.
Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought tortellini for this sausage tortellini recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, using store-bought tortellini is a great time saver. Just look for high-quality, refrigerated tortellini if possible. Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini work wonders and let you focus on the delicious sausage and sage filling and the yummy brown butter sauce it's like a shortcut to Italy!
Help! My brown butter sauce burned. What did I do wrong?
Browning butter is a delicate dance! The key is to use medium heat and watch it like a hawk think 'Bake Off' levels of concentration. It can go from beautifully golden brown to burnt in seconds. If it starts smoking or smells acrid, it's likely gone too far.
Start again with a fresh batch, keeping the heat lower this time.
Is there anything I can substitute for the sausage in this sausage tortellini recipe?
Sure thing! If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the sausage with a ricotta and spinach filling. You could also try using crumbled plant based sausage for a meat free version.
For a different flavor profile, consider using cooked and crumbled chicken or turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage.
How long does sausage tortellini last in the fridge?
Cooked sausage tortellini is usually good in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out nobody wants sad, clumpy pasta!
Can I freeze the sausage tortellini?
Yes, you can! To freeze, spread the cooked and cooled tortellini in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. When ready to eat, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Is this sausage tortellini recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
While this dish is definitely a treat, it's good to be mindful of the nutritional content. Sausage can be high in fat, so consider using leaner sausage varieties like chicken or turkey. Portion control is also key. Balance the meal with a large side salad to up the fibre and vitamins.
Remember, it's all about balance a little indulgence now and then never hurt anyone, right?
Sausage Sage Tortellini With Brown Butter Sauce
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 0g |