Short Description
Meat Lover’s Skillet Tortellini is a hearty, one-pan dish that combines cheese-filled tortellini with a trio of savory meats—bacon, sausage, and pepperoni—smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This quick and satisfying meal brings together the flavors of a meat lover’s pizza and comforting pasta in a single skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
Rich and Hearty: Loaded with meats and cheese for a fulfilling meal.
Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Family Favorite: Appeals to both adults and children with its familiar flavors.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different meats or additional toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 strips thick-cut bacon
8 oz andouille sausage, diced, or 12 oz ground Italian sausage
12 slices pizza pepperoni
24 oz marinara sauce
1/3 cup water
13 oz fresh cheese-filled tortellini
8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions
Cook the Bacon: In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet.
Cook the Sausage: Add the diced andouille sausage or ground Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through. If using ground sausage, break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add Sauce and Tortellini: Pour the marinara sauce and water into the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir to combine. Add the fresh tortellini, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 7–10 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender.
Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Stir the mixture gently. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Arrange the pepperoni slices and crumbled cooked bacon over the cheese.
Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a browned top, place the skillet under a broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serve: Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 555 kcal per serving
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meats and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Different Cheeses: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Alternative Proteins: Replace the meats with cooked chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the tortellini may change upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, ensuring they are cooked through before serving.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
An oven-safe skillet, such as cast iron or stainless steel, is ideal, especially if you plan to broil the cheese topping.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead and assemble just before baking. Store the cooked meats and sauce separately, then combine with tortellini and cheese when ready to cook.
Is there a substitute for marinara sauce?
Yes, pizza sauce or a homemade tomato-based sauce can be used as alternatives to marinara.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use turkey bacon, lean sausage, and part-skim mozzarella cheese. Additionally, incorporate vegetables to increase nutritional value.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions and complement the flavors well.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread are excellent accompaniments to balance the richness of the dish.
Can I use other types of pasta?
While tortellini is recommended for its cheese filling, other pasta types like penne or rotini can be used, though the texture and flavor will differ.
How do I prevent the cheese from becoming too oily?
Use part-skim mozzarella and drain excess grease from the meats before adding the cheese to reduce oiliness.
Is this dish suitable for children?
Yes, the familiar flavors and cheesy texture make it appealing to children. Adjust the spice level according to their preference.
Conclusion
Meat Lover’s Skillet Tortellini is a delightful fusion of hearty meats, cheesy tortellini, and rich marinara sauce, all brought together in a single skillet.
Meat Lover’s Skillet Tortellini
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Meat Lover’s Skillet Tortellini is a cheesy, meaty, one-pan dinner packed with bacon, sausage, pepperoni, and tender cheese tortellini in rich marinara sauce. It’s a quick and hearty weeknight meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
-
3 strips thick-cut bacon
-
8 oz andouille sausage, diced or 12 oz ground Italian sausage
-
12 slices pizza pepperoni
-
24 oz marinara sauce
-
1/3 cup water
-
13 oz fresh cheese-filled tortellini
-
8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
-
Cook the Meats:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pan.
Add sausage (or andouille) and cook until browned. Stir in pepperoni and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly crispy. -
Add Sauce and Tortellini:
Pour in marinara sauce and water, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer. -
Simmer and Melt:
Add fresh tortellini to the skillet. Cover and cook for about 6–8 minutes, or until tortellini are tender and heated through. -
Top with Cheese:
Stir in the cooked bacon. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, cover, and cook for 2–3 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Customize with your favorite meats or try adding sautéed veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
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