Sausage And Tortellini Toss
A creamy sausage and tortellini dish with broccoli and Swiss cheese, perfect for comforting family meals with rich flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the tortellini for 15 minutes, then drain.
- Cut the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the broccoli flowerets and sausage to the cooked tortellini.
- Bring the mixture to a boil again, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Drain the mixture and set aside.
- Melt the margarine in the microwave.
- Add cornstarch to the melted margarine and stir well.
- Gradually add the milk, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until smooth.
- Combine the cooked tortellini, sausage, broccoli, and sauce in a large casserole dish.
- Toss until well coated and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian seasoning or garlic powder when cooking the sausage. You can substitute the smoked sausage with chicken sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. If you want a bit of crunch, try adding toasted pine nuts before serving. This dish is versatile and can be paired with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sausage and Tortellini Toss warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread. You can also serve it alongside A Good Brunch Casserole for a delightful brunch spread that will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to prevent drying out, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage And Tortellini Toss contains roughly 1984 calories, with 78g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (155% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (100% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1616mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini cooks much faster, usually taking about 3-5 minutes to become tender. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What can I replace Swiss cheese with?
If you don't have Swiss cheese on hand, you can use provolone or mozzarella as alternatives. Both will melt well and provide a creamy texture to the sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish. Just ensure to cook them until tender before combining with the tortellini.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).