She Strengthens

Elevate Your Pasta Game with Spicy Italian Sausage Ragu

When it comes to a quick and satisfying meal, it’s hard to beat a classic pasta dish. But what takes it from ordinary to extraordinary? The answer lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients, like cheese tortellini and spicy Italian sausage.

The Perfect Combination

This recipe yields 8 servings and can be prepared in just 45 minutes, with 25 minutes of active cooking time. It’s an easy and flavorful option for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup pitted and sliced black olives, preferably kalamatas
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel seed
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh cheese tortellini
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnishing

Let’s Get Cooking!

Begin by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, stirring and breaking it up, until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a bowl, straining off any excess fat if necessary.

Next, reduce the heat to medium and add a drizzle of olive oil (unless there’s some fat in the pan). Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring, until tender, about 6 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Building the Ragu

Add the crushed tomatoes, black olives, red wine, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, ground fennel seed, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Stir to loosen any browned bits on the pan bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, add the reserved sausage, and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Cooking the Tortellini

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions. Drain well to prevent excess moisture.

Bringing it All Together

Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and stir to coat. Re-warm over medium-low heat just until heated through. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

This spicy Italian sausage ragu with fresh cheese tortellini is sure to become a new favorite in your household. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s the perfect option for a quick and delicious meal.