Looking for a quick dinner option that’s sure to please the entire family? Well, our Blackstone tortellini recipe is here to save the day!
Blackstone Tortellini with Kielbasa is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Made with tortellini pasta, kielbasa sausage, and a variety of vegetables, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.
This is the perfect recipe for hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The best part? It comes together effortlessly and cooks entirely outside on the griddle, meaning you can bid farewell to kitchen cleanup woes.
What makes our Blackstone tortellini recipe truly special is its versatility. There are no rigid rules here—feel free to swap in your favorite proteins and veggies to tailor the dish to your liking. With endless possibilities for customization, you can truly make it your own.
Blackstone Tortellini with Kielbasa and Veggies
Origins and Cultural Significance
Tortellini is a type of pasta that originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is traditionally made with a filling of meat, cheese, or both and is often served in a broth or with a sauce. Kielbasa, on the other hand, is a type of sausage that originated in Poland and is now popular in many parts of the world.
Blackstone Tortellini with Kielbasa and Veggies is not a traditional Italian or Polish dish, but rather an American adaptation of these two classic ingredients. It is a testament to the versatility of these ingredients and the creativity of home cooks.
Types of Tortellini That Works Best on Blackstone Griddle
When it comes to choosing the right tortellini for this dish, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose a cheese-filled tortellini that will hold up well on the Blackstone griddle. Look for a tortellini with a firm texture that won’t fall apart when cooked.
Second, consider the flavor profile of the tortellini. While classic cheese-filled tortellini is always a safe bet, you can also experiment with different flavors such as spinach and ricotta, mushroom and truffle, or even lobster and crab.
You have the option to use either frozen or pre-cooked tortellini on your Blackstone griddle. Using thawed tortellini is particularly convenient because it allows you to skip the step of boiling them beforehand.
You can buy refrigerated (or even frozen) pasta that you can cook on the Blackstone. They don’t need to be reconstituted with water to cook. Throw them on the griddle with some butter/oil, and water, and be sure to cover/steam. Toss them in a sauce with some veggies and protein and it could be really good.
Boiling tortellini before cooking them on the Blackstone griddle is optional. While some recipes may call for boiling the tortellini first, others may recommend cooking them directly on the griddle without boiling. It ultimately depends on your preference and the specific recipe you are following. If you prefer softer tortellini, boiling them briefly before griddling can help achieve the desired texture. However, if you enjoy a firmer texture or want to save time, you can cook the tortellini directly on the griddle without boiling them first.
Preparation Guide
Required Cooking Equipment
Before cooking Blackstone tortellini with kielbasa, you need to have the following equipment ready:
Ingredients Needed for Blackstone Tortellini
Cooking Oil
I recommend using olive oil, but you can also use canola or avocado oil as alternatives. These oils have high smoke points, making them ideal for cooking at high temperatures.
Fresh Garlic
Opt for fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute in both the tortellini and homemade pasta sauce recipes.
Fresh Tortellini
It’s best to use fresh, not frozen, cheese-filled tortellini for this recipe. The freshness of the Blackstone Tortellini with Homemade Pasta Sauce will greatly enhance the overall taste and texture.
Kielbasa
Consider adding kielbasa, a smoked sausage, to bring a delicious smoky flavor to the dish. It pairs exceptionally well with the other ingredients.
Bell Peppers
Choose either red, green, or yellow bell peppers based on your preference. These colorful peppers add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Spinach
Fresh baby spinach is an excellent addition to incorporate some greens into the recipe. It adds vibrant color and a fresh, slightly earthy taste.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a heavenly combination of sausages and tortellini. Their earthy and meaty flavor complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese
While Parmesan cheese is recommended, you can also use mozzarella or cheddar cheese if Parmesan is unavailable. The melted cheese adds a creamy and savory touch to the Blackstone Tortellini with Homemade Pasta Sauce.
Blackstone Tortellini Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Griddle
Start by preheating your Blackstone griddle. This will ensure that it’s nice and hot when you start cooking the pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
To cook the pasta on the griddle, drizzle olive oil on the griddle. Add tortellini, heat them, and add water directly onto the hot surface. and cover it with a dome It’s important to note that this method works best with fresh pasta, as dry pasta may not cook properly on the griddle.
Let the pasta cook for about 5-8 minutes until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Once cooked, remove the pasta from the griddle and transfer it to a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Kielbasa Sausage and Vegetables
On one side of the griddle, add some olive oil. Then, add crushed garlic and Kielbasa sausage, and sauté them on high heat until they are cooked and have a nice golden color.
In the center of the griddle, add more oil and stir-fry the onion, bell pepper, and zucchini until the vegetables are tender and well combined. Make sure the vegetables and sausage are evenly mixed.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Now, it’s time to add the cooked tortellini to the griddle. Mix the tortellini with the sausages and vegetables, ensuring that everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Season and Dress
Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. For added flavor, drizzle some Italian dressing over the mixture. Mix everything on high heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
To finish off the dish, garnish it with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or thyme for a burst of freshness. You can also serve it with homemade chili garlic sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Notes:
– If you prefer to boil the pasta separately before adding it to the griddle, simply boil it for 2 minutes, strain it, and make sure it’s well dried before placing it on the griddle.
– Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different types of sausages.
Prepare mayo chup by mixing 1 cup mayonnaise,½ cup chili garlic sauce, salt, crushed black pepper, and 1 tablespoon hot water.
– Serve the Blackstone tortellini with mayo chup for an irresistible flavor. enjoy!
Confidence tip
Sprinkle some Italian seasoning to add a flavorful blend of herbs and spices to the Blackstone Tortellini with Homemade Pasta Sauce. It will further enhance the overall taste and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
After cooking, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container or a sealed freezer bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
The best way to reheat leftovers is on the stove over medium heat until everything is heated through. You can add a little water or broth if the mixture seems dry. Avoid using the microwave as it may make the Blackstone Tortellini with Homemade Pasta Sauce.
Variations
– Meaty Delight: If you enjoy meat, you can add some cooked diced chicken, bacon, or Italian sausage to the Blackstone Tortellini with Homemade Pasta Sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
– Veggie Lover’s Dream: Feel free to add more vegetables of your choice, such as zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus, for a vibrant and nutritious twist.
– Creamy Indulgence: For a creamier sauce, you can mix in a small amount of heavy cream or melted butter at the end, giving the dish Blackstone Tortellini with Homemade Pasta Sauce a luscious coating.
– To add visual interest to the dish, consider using different colored tortellini, such as spinach or tomato-flavored, or using a mix of kielbasa and other sausages, such as chorizo or Italian sausage.
Additions
Fresh Herbs:
Enhance the dish Blackstone Tortellini with Homemade Pasta Sauce with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano for added freshness and aroma.
Pine Nuts:
Toasted pine nuts can provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor when sprinkled on top.
Balsamic Glaze:
Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the finished dish to add a tangy sweetness. Balsamic glaze is thick glossy honey or maple syrup-like consistency syrup which is made from simmering balsamic vinegar. It adds a glossy finish and intense flavor to dishes. You can either purchase it from stores or make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar on the stove top until it thickens to your desired consistency
Substitutions:
Pasta
If tortellini is not available, you can substitute it with your preferred pasta shape, such as penne or farfalle.
Cheese
While the traditional choice for tortellini is cheese-filled, feel free to experiment with different cheese options. You can try using ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
Each cheese will bring its unique flavor and texture, allowing you to customize the dish Blackstone Tortellini with Homemade Pasta Sauce.
Expert Tips for Perfect Tortellini
You can also use roasted pre cooked chicken instead of smoked sausage( kielbasa) Be creative and explore varieties to be perfect in making Blackstone
Serve this tempting Blackstone Tortellini with Homemade Pasta Sauce and mayo chup. The scrumptious taste will make crazy people for your dish Blackstone Tortellini with Homemade Pasta Sauce. They will ask for more for sure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable-filled tortellini and ensuring all the ingredients used are plant-based.
Can I make this recipe in a regular pan or skillet?
Certainly! While the Blackstone griddle provides a fantastic cooking surface, you can still achieve delicious results using a regular pan or skillet over medium heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the tortellini and sauté the vegetables ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply reheat the vegetables, add the cooked tortellini, and toss everything together until heated through
Can I freeze this recipe for later use?
Yes, you can! After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely. Then, transfer it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free tortellini available in most health food stores. Also, ensure that all other ingredients, like sauces or seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, choose a dairy-free tortellini alternative and use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether. Also, check to ensure that all other ingredients, like sauces, are dairy-free.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, this recipe is quite versatile and can be adjusted to suit children’s tastes. You can make it less spicy, use fun-shaped tortellini, or add ingredients that your kids love.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand or prefer. Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat leftovers is on the stove over medium heat until everything is heated through. You can add a little water or broth if the mixture seems dry. Avoid using the microwave as it may make the tortellini
Blackstone Tortellini with Homemade Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 package of tortellini your choice of fillingcheese or meet
- Kielbasa 1 pound cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- Garlic cloves 4
- Cherry tomatoes halved 1 cup
- Onion finely chopped 1
- Bell pepper 1 diced
- Mushrooms 1/2 cup
- Baby spinach1/2 cup
- Salt 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper 1 teaspoon
- Parmesan cheese 1 cup
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnishing
Instructions
- Start by preheating your Blackstone griddle. This will ensure that it's nice and hot when you start cooking the pasta.
- To cook the pasta on the griddle, drizzle olive oil on the griddle. Add tortellini, heat them up, and add water directly onto the hot surface. and cover it with a dome.It's important to note that this method works best with fresh pasta, as dry pasta may not cook properly on the griddle.
- Let the pasta cook for about 5-8 minutes until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Once cooked, remove the pasta from the griddle and transfer it to a plate.
- In the center of the griddle, add more oil and stir-fry the onion, bell pepper, and spinach until the vegetables are tender and well combined. Make sure the vegetables and sausage are evenly mixed.
- Now, it’s time to add the cooked tortellini to the griddle. Mix the tortellini with the sausages and vegetables, ensuring that everything is well incorporated.
- Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. For added flavor, drizzle some Italian dressing over the mixture. Mix everything together on high heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- To finish off the dish, garnish it with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or thyme for a burst of freshness. You can also serve it with homemade chili garlic sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Notes
I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.
I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!
