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Spicy Sausage Tortellini in Creamy Mascarpone Sauce

Spicy Sausage Tortellini in Creamy Mascarpone Sauce
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Spicy Sausage Tortellini in Creamy Mascarpone Sauce is a quick and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with smoky, spicy Italian sausage in a rich, silky mascarpone cheese sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder balances bold heat with creamy comfort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Cheese tortellini: 12 oz, fresh or frozen
  • Spicy Italian sausage: 12 oz, casing removed
  • Mascarpone cheese: 1 cup
  • Garlic cloves: 3, minced
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, freshly grated
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Fresh basil or parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the fresh herbs. Remove the spicy Italian sausage from its casing, breaking it into small crumbles to ensure even cooking.
  2. Cook the Sausage and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and add the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine all ingredients. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors and allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
  4. Cook the Tortellini: While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a splash of pasta water for later use.
  5. Stir in Mascarpone and Combine: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir the mascarpone cheese into the skillet until it fully melts into a creamy sauce. Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and toss everything together thoroughly. Use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it appears too thick.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan: Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil or parsley. Grate Parmesan cheese over the top and give a final toss. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use quality spicy Italian sausage for the best flavor.
  • Cook tortellini al dente to avoid mushy texture when mixed with sauce.
  • Heat mascarpone gently; avoid boiling after adding to prevent curdling.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and improve sauce adherence.
  • Adjust spice gradually by varying crushed red pepper flakes to your heat preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy sausage tortellini, creamy mascarpone sauce, Italian pasta, quick pasta dinner, one-pot pasta, spicy pasta recipe, creamy pasta sauce

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/spicy-sausage-tortellini-in-creamy-mascarpone-sauce/