Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Cheese Tortellini with Sausage Ragu

  Lazy, tired, lazy, tired? Not quite sure what I was feeling on this day. Definately, tired. We are in the process of fixing up a home that we will be moving into August 1st. Michael has been laying tile and vinyl, I'm the helper, ripping out old wall paper, etc... Not to mention the cleaning and fixing up the yard. Oh and did I mention that last week the temperature was 98 degrees with a feels like temp of 103? Yeah, I was definately not in the mood to stand in a hot kitchen and cook. Don't get me wrong, we are VERY happy to be moving from a 900 sq. ft. house into a 1500 sq ft. house. I think I could fit this house into the kitchen at the new one (most important room for me, well almost ; )
  So to say I copped out and made one of the quickest dinners I think I've ever made (short of take out) is an understatement. In the freezer I had a bag of frozen cheese tortellini, some mild italian sausage and some marinara. This, and a salad with garlic toast made for the fastest meal ever. I couldn't have had take out delivered in the time this was ready.


New tile in our new kitchen. YAY!


Cheese Tortellini with Sausage Marinara
Courtesy of Express Lane by Recipe Addict


Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 pound ground mild italian sausage
2 cups marinara sauce Mine, I mean Giada's (I make in batches), your favorite recipe, or purchased jarred sauce
1/2 cup red wine, (Riojo is one I use often for cooking)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 pound cheese tortellini, or choose your own pasta
2 inch sprig chopped fresh oregano
4 fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin ribbons, i.e., chiffonade
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese


Directions

In a medium saucepan heat olive oil over medium high and brown sausage, using a wooden spoon to crumble the sausage as it browns. To the cooked sausage, add the wine and oregano, cook until wine reduces to 1/4 cup. Add marinara sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Let sauce begin to come to a boil and turn down to a slow simmer. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes add cream, basil and parmesan cheese, and stir to incorporate. 
While sauce is nearing the last 10 minutes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook 7 - 9 minutes until tender, stirring occaisionally. Drain pasta and toss with sauce. Serve with extra grated parmesan if desired.
Makes 4 - 6 Servings


You are never very far away from a good, fast dinner if you have a well stocked pantry and freezer.

I am submitting this to Pam at Sidewalk Shoes who is hosting this weeks Presto Pasta Nights #172 which was the brainchild of Ruth at Once Upon A Feast back in March 2007.




Cheese Tortellini with Sausage Rage

A quick and tasty weeknight pasta dish.

See Cheese Tortellini with Sausage Rage on Key Ingredient.

 
























 
Cheese Tortellini With Sausage Ragu on Foodista
Carla and Michael

8 comments:

  1. Congrats on your new home...lots of work but worth it for sure:)

    I love those quick and easy meals that are good too. This sounds wonderful. I love tortellini and the sauce sounds delicious. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cheese Tortellini looks so gooooooooood!

    Congratulations on your new home!
    Angie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for your entry! I am also having some house stuff done and I completely appreciate an easy dinner like this!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congratulations on your new house! I don't blame you for making this - there's nothing like a good comfort meal when you're tired - especially when it's as delicious as this!

    ReplyDelete
  5. First, congratulations on your new home! Second, what a fast, easy and delicious meal that was prepared on a hot and humid day.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Carla-This meal is right up my alley. Looks like a satisfying meal that makes everyone happy.
    Congratulations on moving into your new home. Best of luck on the move!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I know exactly what you're talking about! We're moving in 2 weeks and so packing - at least 45 boxes of books - half of which are cookbooks! and everything else plus temperature that is going through the roof makes for very little energy for cooking.

    Thanks for sharing this one with Presto Pasta Nights. Even I can manage it this week.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations on the new house! Beautiful tile. I love cheese tortellini!! The sauce looks yummy, too!

    ReplyDelete

We love hearing from our friends.