Description
This Sheet Pan Broccoli Tortellini Bake is a delicious and easy one-pan meal combining roasted broccoli, Italian chicken sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and plenty of Parmesan cheese. The broccoli is first roasted to develop caramelized flavor, then mixed with sausage and tortellini and baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it requires minimal prep and cleanup while offering hearty Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1.5 lbs fresh broccoli, cut into 1.5-inch uniform florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 11 oz chicken sausage, sliced into rounds (Italian-style preferred)
Pasta and Cheese
- 16 oz frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 4 oz), freshly grated preferred
Oils and Seasonings
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F, which usually takes about 10 minutes. While waiting, toss the broccoli florets with minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper directly on a sheet pan. Spread everything out in a single even layer to ensure proper roasting.
- Roast Broccoli: Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast the broccoli for 10 minutes until it turns bright green with lightly browned edges but still remains crisp when pierced with a fork. This roasting step develops deep, caramelized flavors in the broccoli.
- Increase Oven Temperature and Mix Ingredients: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and allow it to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes while you prepare the rest. Transfer the roasted broccoli to a large bowl. Add sliced chicken sausage, frozen tortellini, the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil, and half of the Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup). Toss everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Prepare to Bake: Wipe the sheet pan clean and lightly grease it with olive oil or line with parchment paper. Spread the broccoli, sausage, and tortellini mixture evenly across the pan. If the tortellini looks dry halfway through baking, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of water to keep it moist.
- Bake and Finish: Bake the mixture for 12-15 minutes at 450°F until the cheese melts and the top is golden brown with crispy edges. Once baked, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top just before serving to add extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cut broccoli into uniform 1.5-inch florets for even cooking.
- If using fresh tortellini instead of frozen, reduce baking time by 3-5 minutes.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore texture and flavor.
Keywords: broccoli bake, tortellini casserole, sheet pan dinner, Italian sausage bake, easy sheet pan meal, roasted broccoli, vegetarian option with cheese tortellini