Optional: finely chopped parsley, crusty buttered bread, for serving and sopping up sauce!
Instructions
PREP: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
VEGGIES: In a large (3.5 quart) oven-safe pot with a lid, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften; then push to the edge of the pan.
BROWN SAUSAGE: Increase heat to high. Place sausage in the center of the pan in a single layer. Let it sear briefly, then use a wooden spoon to break it up and stir until browned. Drain off excess grease if needed.
DEGLAZE PAN: Add tomato paste, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Continue cooking until the broth has mostly evaporated.
COOKTORTELLINI: Stir in crushed tomatoes. Add tortellini, pressing them below the surface as much as possible. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. (No lid? Use a sheet pan).
BAKE: Stir spinach through. Then stir in heavy cream. Adjust seasoning as needed. Smooth the top to create an even surface, ensuring the tortellini are well submerged. Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Place pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
ENJOY: Optionally, garnish with parsley. Serve hot with crusty buttered bread for dunking. Best enjoyed right out of the oven (as it sits, the tortellini will continue to absorb the surrounding sauce.)
Video
Notes
Note 1:Veggies: You need two cups total veggies -- 1 cup onion, 1/2 cup celery, 1/2 cup carrots. Very finely dice the veggies, or, grate the celery and carrot using a cheese grater. Another option is to pulse all the vegetables in a food processor for a consistent size.Note 2: Sausage: Choose between sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your personal preference. If using sausage links, remove the casings before cooking.Note 3: Tortellini: The recipe's timing and liquid quantities are counting on the use of fresh, refrigerated tortellini that cooks in boiling water within 4-5 minutes, as indicated on the package.Note 4: Parmesan: Grab a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it using the small holes of a cheese grater.