Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances smoky, savory, and fresh flavors, this Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It combines tender cheese tortellini with smoky grilled kielbasa and sweet, colorful bell peppers for a vibrant meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. The quick-cooking method keeps everything juicy and charred just right, making it an impressive yet incredibly approachable recipe to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing that satisfying bite, layering in smoky or sweet notes, or brightening the dish with freshness and color. Don’t overlook the simple seasonings since they tie everything together beautifully.
- 12 oz kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds: The star protein with smoky, savory flavor that grills to perfection.
- 9 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or pre-packaged: Pillowy, cheesy pockets that soak up grill flavors wonderfully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps everything cook evenly on the grill and adds richness.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and a vibrant pop of red color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Balances with bright citrus notes and cheerful yellow hues.
- 1 small red onion, sliced: Gives a slightly sharp, savory bite to complement the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings warm, mild garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For smoky depth and a subtle hint of heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and a lovely green garnish.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that melts slightly over the warm tortellini.
How to Make Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill
Start by heating your grill to a medium-high temperature. This level of heat is ideal since it allows the kielbasa to develop a beautiful char without drying out, while softly grilling the veggies and warming the tortellini.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Fresh tortellini usually cooks quickly, in about 3-5 minutes, and becomes wonderfully tender. Once cooked, drain and set aside to keep warm. This step ensures the tortellini won’t overcook on the grill.
Step 3: Toss the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sliced kielbasa, cooked tortellini, olive oil, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Toss well until everything is evenly coated. This mixture is the heart of your Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe, marrying smoky, sweet, and savory perfectly.
Step 4: Grill in a Basket
Lightly grease a grilling basket to prevent sticking and add your mixture inside. Placing everything in a basket keeps the smaller ingredients contained so nothing falls through the grates. Set the basket on the grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Look for the kielbasa to develop a char and the peppers to become tender but still vibrant.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once cooked, carefully remove the basket from the grill and transfer the contents to a serving dish. Sprinkle fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The parsley brings a bright freshness while the Parmesan adds that savory nuttiness that makes this dish utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan bring both color and flavor contrast to this warm, hearty dish. You could also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon for an optional tangy twist.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness or grilled asparagus to keep the smoky theme going. Crusty bread also makes a lovely addition for soaking up any tasty juices left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve this Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe in mini cast iron skillets or on rustic wooden boards. Adding a small bowl of spicy mustard or marinara as dipping sauces on the side lets guests customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making your next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it might alter the texture of the cheese tortellini slightly. If needed, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil to restore that grilled texture and freshen the flavors. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the tortellini gummy.
FAQs
Can I substitute the kielbasa for another sausage?
Absolutely! Smoked sausage, bratwurst, or even Italian sausage would work well, just adjust the seasonings accordingly to complement the new flavors.
Is it necessary to use a grilling basket?
While not mandatory, a grilling basket makes cooking easier and keeps everything from falling through the grates. If you don’t have one, a grill pan is a great alternative.
Can I use frozen tortellini for this dish?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and cook it according to package instructions before adding it to the grill so it doesn’t overcook or become too mushy.
How spicy is this Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe?
This recipe is generally mild but flavorful. You can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like it with a bit more heat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, skip the kielbasa and add hearty veggies like mushrooms or eggplant. Consider adding a robust plant-based protein or extra cheese tortellini to keep it filling.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe is a fun way to enjoy a flavor-packed, colorful meal that comes together quickly and tastes like something special. It’s perfect for casual dinners or entertaining friends when you want something impressive with minimal fuss. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll be hooked from the first smoky, cheesy bite.
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Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make grilled kielbasa tortellini dish featuring smoky kielbasa sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and colorful grilled bell peppers and onions, all seasoned with garlic, paprika, and black pepper, then topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 9 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or pre-packaged
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a perfect sear and even cooking for the kielbasa and vegetables.
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced kielbasa, cooked tortellini, olive oil, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, sliced red onion, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Toss everything thoroughly so the seasoning and oil coat all components evenly.
- Prepare grill basket: Lightly grease a grilling basket to prevent sticking. Add the kielbasa and tortellini mixture into the basket, spreading it out evenly.
- Grill the mixture: Place the grilling basket on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally during cooking to promote even charring and to ensure the vegetables become tender while the kielbasa crisps up.
- Transfer and garnish: Remove the grilled mixture from the basket and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Using a grilling basket helps keep smaller ingredients from falling through the grates while allowing smoky flavors to penetrate.
- You can substitute smoked sausage for kielbasa if preferred.
- Fresh tortellini is recommended for best texture, but pre-packaged frozen or refrigerated tortellini works well too.
- Adjust seasoning amounts based on taste preferences and dietary needs.
- This dish pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
