Sheet Pan Dinner Tortellini That Comes Together When You’re Running Late

This Sheet Pan Dinner Tortellini is exactly the kind of meal you want after a day that didn’t exactly go as planned. It’s quick, it’s satisfying, and it somehow manages to look like you put in way more effort than you actually did. The kind of dish that makes you feel like you can breathe again — even if you’re still juggling a few distractions in the back of your mind.

Just last week, I came home with barely enough time to throw something together before the evening chaos kicked in. I started with the sausage sizzling in the pan and the veggies tossed with olive oil and Italian seasoning, all thrown onto a single sheet pan. While the aroma of roasting peppers and zucchini filled the kitchen, I was half-listening to a podcast and trying to finish an email — definitely not my most focused cooking moment. When the tortellini joined the party, everything came together so effortlessly, I almost forgot to set the timer. The Parmesan and fresh basil sprinkled on top felt like a little victory lap at the end, bringing it all home with just enough flair to make it special without any extra work.

It’s one of those meals where you can almost taste the comfort and ease in every bite. The sausage gives it a hearty base, and the roasted vegetables add a pop of color and freshness that makes it feel balanced. Plus, the pasta soaking up all those flavors? Honestly, it’s a little slice of weeknight magic.

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s a no-hassle meal that roasts everything together—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
  • The combination of Italian sausage and vibrant veggies hits all the right notes, but it’s not so fancy that you have to stress over it.
  • The timing works for those evenings when you’re juggling too many things; the dish comes together in under an hour, including prep.
  • It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. Sometimes you want a meal that doesn’t require a full kitchen takeover.

If you’re worried about leftovers, this dish keeps well for a few days and warms up nicely, so you can enjoy it again without feeling like you’re eating the same dinner twice.

Print
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Close-up of a sheet pan dinner with tortellini in creamy sauce, garnished with herbs.

Sheet Pan Dinner Tortellini


  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

A quick and easy sheet pan dinner featuring cheese tortellini, colorful vegetables, and Italian sausage, all roasted together for a flavorful and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

1 pound cheese tortellini, refrigerated or frozen
12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil


Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until just al dente, usually about 2-3 minutes for refrigerated or frozen tortellini. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the Italian sausage and break it into small pieces with your hands or a spoon.
Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini rounds, and cherry tomato halves to the bowl with the sausage.
Drizzle the olive oil over the sausage and vegetables. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on top.
Toss everything together until the sausage and vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
Spread the sausage and vegetable mixture evenly on a large rimmed sheet pan.
Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and gently add the cooked tortellini to the pan, mixing carefully to combine with the sausage and vegetables.
Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil over the top.
Serve warm directly from the sheet pan.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Kitchen Notes: You don’t need any special equipment here — just a sturdy sheet pan and a little patience while everything roasts. Serving this straight from the pan always feels cozy and informal, perfect for family meals or a relaxed night in. I sometimes swap out the Italian sausage for ground turkey or even a plant-based option when I’m feeling experimental, but I haven’t tested all variations thoroughly. Roasting the veggies until they’re slightly caramelized really brings out their sweetness, so don’t rush that part.

FAQ

Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, just cook it according to package directions before adding it to the pan for roasting.
What if I don’t like Italian sausage? You can substitute with chicken sausage or even omit the meat for a veggie-forward version.
How spicy is this dish? It depends on your sausage choice, but the seasoning is mild and balanced.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely, but keep in mind that cooking times might vary depending on what you add.

Give this Sheet Pan Dinner Tortellini a try next time your schedule is tight but your appetite is big. It’s a simple way to enjoy a colorful, flavorful meal with almost zero fuss. Grab your sheet pan, and let the oven do the work while you catch your breath.