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Sausage and Kale Tortellini

1 reviews
5.0 1
Effortlessly cooked sausage and kale tortellini made in the microwave with the glass Anyday dish, capturing all the savory flavors and nutrients without the need to pre-boil the water. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal that's full of flavor.
Sausage and Kale Tortellini
PT5M PT6M

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

6-7 mins
1 reviews

Free Time

to cook more kale and freeze it for later

Whip up a comforting meal on busy weeknights with our Sausage and Kale Tortellini. This recipe simplifies dinner, using easy-to-find fridge staples and pre-packaged fresh tortellini, so you can skip the chopping and prep work. Just combine everything in a microwave-safe dish and steam it all together in the microwave, eliminating the need for boiling or sautéing. With just one quick stir, you'll have this delicious meal ready in under 15 minutes.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

One Dish Meals, Pasta & Noodles, greens, group__Under 15 Minute Meals, Italian, Kale, lazy, Leafy Greens, meal prep, One Dish, one dish dinners, Pasta, Deep Dish, Shallow Dish, Rustic, Sausage One Dish Meals, Pasta & Noodles

What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Medium Shallow Dish

Look no further for making poached eggs, desserts, dips, and small portions of meat or fish.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1-2
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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 4oz (115g) bulk Italian sausage (hot or mild)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1¼ cups (300ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups (45g) chopped kale
  • 4 oz (115g) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
  • ½ cup (42g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation

  1. Add the sausage, garlic powder, chili flakes, black pepper, and stock to an Anyday dish, and mix until everything is well incorporated. Breaking up the sausage prior to cooking will help prevent big lumps from forming.
  2. Add the chopped kale and tortellini, tossing to combine, and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave for 4-5 minutes. Toss everything together and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes or until the tortellini are cooked through. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  4. Top the tortellini with mozzarella cheese. Melt the cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute, or brown the cheese in a 500°F oven.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Toss in some Alfredo sauce after cooking for a creamy alternative.
  • Try it with a side of fresh salad for an extra side of veggies.
  • Use cheeses like pecorino, parmesan, asiago, or provolone for extra flavor.

Recipe notes

  • Make sure to break the sausage into small bite-sized pieces before cooking.
  • If you’re looking to melt the cheese in a hot oven, preheat the oven to 500* rather than using your broiler.
  • If using frozen tortellini, you may need to add an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time after the initial cook time.
  • If the water overflows, you can switch to a Large Deep or Extra Large, or reduce to Power Level 8 and then continue cooking.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All you need to know about making sausage and kale tortellini

Can I cook fresh pasta in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook fresh-filled pasta like cheese tortellini in the microwave! Toss it with cheese and butter or use this recipe to make a full meal.

Can I use both hot and mild Italian sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can use either hot or mild Italian sausage based on your preference for spiciness. You can also use turkey or chicken sausages for leaner dishes or plant-based sausage alternatives if you prefer a vegetarian dish.

How do I prevent big lumps from forming when cooking the sausage?

Mixing the sausage with the stock and other ingredients before adding the kale and tortellini is crucial for preventing the sausage from forming large clumps. Breaking up the sausage before cooking ensures even distribution of flavor throughout the dish and it will also prevent it from resembling meatloaf.

How do I know when the tortellini are cooked through?

The tortellini will appear plump and tender when cut into. As the pasta cooks, it expands and should take on a lighter color than when it was uncooked.

Can I use frozen kale instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen kale instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the dish. If kale is not available or is not to your liking, you can use Swiss chard, spinach, or bok choy.

Can I use a different type of tortellini?

While fresh cheese tortellini is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen tortellini if that's what you have available.

Can I add additional vegetables to this dish?

Feel free to incorporate extra vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to tailor the dish to your preferences. If doubling the amount of veggies specified in the recipe, extend the cooking time by 1-2 minutes, and adjust as necessary.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it later. After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply splash the surface with a bit of tap water, and reheat it in the microwave for 2-4 minutes, depending on serving size, until heated through.

How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?

Leftovers can be stored in the Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to prevent the dish from drying out.