This Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Spinach Casserole is the ultimate easy dinner for when you want something hearty, cheesy, and full of smoky flavor. The combination of sizzling kielbasa, cheesy tortellini, tender spinach, and marinara sauce melds together perfectly under a blanket of melty mozzarella and Parmesan.
Perfect for a family dinner or backyard gathering, this dish brings together simple ingredients into one incredibly satisfying meal. Grilling everything on the Blackstone adds an irresistible char and richness that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving a comforting plate of goodness, this casserole has you covered.
Full Recipe:
1 package kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½ inch pieces
1 package cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat.
Boil the tortellini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Drizzle olive oil on the griddle and sauté sliced kielbasa until browned on both sides.
Add cooked tortellini onto the griddle with kielbasa, gently tossing together.
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the tortellini and kielbasa mixture.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, cover with a dome or lid to melt the cheese.
Cook for 3–5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and everything is heated through.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 510 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Delicious Twist on Classic Comfort Food: Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Spinach Casserole
When it comes to hearty, flavorful meals that bring people together, casseroles have long been a favorite choice. The Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Spinach Casserole takes this classic comfort food and infuses it with smoky, savory flavors that can only come from outdoor griddle cooking. With sizzling slices of kielbasa, tender cheese tortellini, vibrant spinach, and a generous layer of bubbling cheese, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard gatherings, or lazy weekend feasts.
Why You’ll Love This Griddle Casserole
This dish checks every box when it comes to flavor, convenience, and versatility. First, it’s packed with smoky, meaty goodness thanks to the kielbasa, which sears beautifully on the Blackstone griddle or any flat-top surface. The cheese tortellini add a creamy, satisfying bite that perfectly complements the hearty sausage. Fresh spinach sneaks in some nutritious greens, while the marinara sauce ties everything together with a rich, tangy base. Topped with a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, the result is an irresistible, gooey finish that makes every bite pure comfort.
The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare, yet it looks and tastes like you spent hours over the stove. You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want a satisfying homemade meal without the fuss.
The Magic of Cooking on a Griddle
One of the standout elements of this casserole is that it’s cooked right on a griddle, giving it a smoky, grilled essence that’s hard to replicate with traditional oven baking. Griddles provide a large, flat cooking surface that ensures even heating and allows ingredients to char slightly without drying out. That slight char on the kielbasa enhances its natural smokiness and gives the tortellini a deliciously crispy edge.
Plus, cooking on a griddle makes it easy to prepare large batches if you’re hosting guests or meal prepping for the week. The open space and direct heat offer unmatched versatility and flavor that simply can’t be beat.
Kielbasa: The Star of the Dish
Kielbasa, a type of Polish sausage, is rich, smoky, and full of savory spices. It’s traditionally made with pork, but beef and turkey varieties are also popular. In this casserole, kielbasa is sliced and seared until beautifully browned, locking in flavor and creating a caramelized outer texture. Its slightly spicy and garlicky flavor profile pairs beautifully with the mild creaminess of the tortellini and the acidity of the marinara sauce, creating a perfect balance in every mouthful.
Using kielbasa in casseroles elevates the dish beyond simple sausage-and-pasta combinations, adding layers of flavor that develop beautifully on the griddle.
The Role of Tortellini in the Casserole
Tortellini adds a delightful texture and cheesy richness that ties the whole casserole together. Because tortellini is already stuffed with cheese, it brings an additional layer of creamy decadence that other pasta types simply can’t match. Whether you choose a three-cheese blend, spinach and ricotta, or any other filling, the tortellini’s pillow-like consistency creates a satisfying contrast to the crispness of the kielbasa and the slight bite of the sautéed spinach.
Pre-cooking the tortellini before tossing it on the griddle ensures it’s perfectly tender, absorbing the flavors from the sausage, sauce, and cheese as everything melds together.
The Importance of Fresh Spinach
Adding fresh spinach to this casserole introduces a pop of color and a nutritious element that balances the richness of the other ingredients. When lightly wilted on the griddle, spinach maintains a tender bite and a slight earthiness that cuts through the bold, smoky flavors of the kielbasa and cheese.
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber. Incorporating it into hearty, cheese-laden casseroles like this one is a smart way to sneak extra veggies into your family’s diet without sacrificing taste.
Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Ingredient
A casserole wouldn’t be complete without a blanket of gooey, melty cheese, and this dish delivers it in droves. A combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan ensures a perfect melt and a salty, savory finish. Mozzarella offers that iconic cheese pull we all crave, while Parmesan brings depth and sharpness to the flavor profile.
The cheese acts as both a binder and a flavor enhancer, creating a luscious coating over the tortellini and sausage while ensuring every bite is satisfyingly cheesy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a few simple sides can elevate your meal even further. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy marinara sauce.
For beverages, a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a cold lager complements the smoky kielbasa beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber offers a refreshing balance.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about the Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Spinach Casserole is that it’s incredibly meal-prep friendly. You can prepare all the components ahead of time — slice and sear the kielbasa, cook the tortellini, and have the cheese and sauce ready to go. When it’s time to eat, simply reheat everything on the griddle until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat portions gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or marinara sauce if needed to loosen up the pasta.
Tips for Recipe Variations
This casserole is endlessly customizable! If you’re looking to change it up, consider the following variations:
Protein Swap: Replace kielbasa with smoked sausage, chorizo, or even grilled chicken.
Vegetable Boost: Add in sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or caramelized onions for extra depth.
Cheese Variety: Try using provolone, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for a twist on the flavor profile.
Sauce Alternatives: Substitute the marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy version, or a spicy arrabbiata if you like a kick.
No matter how you tweak it, the core technique of cooking on the griddle ensures a delicious, flavorful casserole every time.
Conclusion
The Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Spinach Casserole is a deliciously hearty dish that beautifully showcases the magic of griddle cooking. It’s a wonderful way to combine smoky meats, cheesy pasta, vibrant greens, and a rich sauce into a single, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, impress guests at a casual cookout, or simply indulge in a comforting homemade meal, this casserole delivers on all fronts. Its irresistible flavors, easy preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. Bring out the griddle, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!