If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with smoky flavor, vibrant colors, and just the right touch of spice, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe. This dish brilliantly combines juicy, charred kielbasa with tender, cheesy tortellini and crisp grilled vegetables, making every bite a celebration of texture and taste. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend grill feast, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Get ready to impress your family or guests with a meal that’s easy to whip up but unforgettable to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing texture, flavor, or color to the plate. From the smoky kielbasa to the fresh, sweet bell peppers, it’s the balance of these simple yet essential ingredients that makes this dish truly shine.
- 12 oz kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds: The star protein, smoky and juicy for that perfect grilled bite.
- 9 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or pre-packaged: Soft and cheesy, adding a creamy contrast to the smoky sausage.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps everything cook evenly and adds a silky richness.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and gorgeous color to brighten up the dish.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Complements the red pepper with another burst of vibrant flavor and crunch.
- 1 small red onion, sliced: Brings a touch of sharpness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky depth and a gentle kick to the seasoning mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a mild heat and complex aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring all the flavors together and enhance their profiles.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbaceous finish that adds brightness on top.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory richness right before serving.
How to Make Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
First things first, get your grill heated to medium-high. This temperature is key to achieving a nice char on the kielbasa and the veggies without overcooking the delicate tortellini. A properly heated grill will give you those beautiful grill marks and lock in the flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
While the grill is warming up, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions—typically just a few minutes for fresh or frozen versions. Drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to mix with the other ingredients. Be sure not to overcook; you want them al dente to hold up well on the grill.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Season
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced kielbasa, cooked tortellini, olive oil, bell peppers, and red onion. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. This step ensures each bite is packed with balanced flavors and that nothing sticks to the grill basket later.
Step 4: Prepare the Grill Basket
Lightly grease your grilling basket with oil to prevent sticking. Then transfer your kielbasa, tortellini, and vegetable mixture into the basket. The basket is the secret weapon here—it keeps the small ingredients from falling through the grill grates while letting them all get that delicious smoky char.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the grill basket on the preheated grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally so everything cooks evenly and the kielbasa chars beautifully. You’ll smell the intoxicating aroma of grilled veggies and smoky sausage filling the air, signaling that your meal is almost ready.
Step 6: Transfer and Garnish
Once everything is perfectly grilled, remove the basket carefully and transfer the mixture to a serving dish. Finish by scattering chopped fresh parsley and a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. These final touches bring freshness, color, and a golden savory finish to this delightful Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe.
How to Serve Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! The fresh parsley adds a pop of green and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious salty bite that elevates the dish further. Feel free to add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you’re craving a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This grilled kielbasa and tortellini combo pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a simple garlic bread. A side of grilled asparagus or zucchini also complements the flavors perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying meal without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish presentation, serve the grilled mixture in individual cast iron skillets or rustic wooden bowls straight from the grill. You can also pile it onto a bed of lightly dressed arugula or baby spinach to create a fresh and hearty one-pan meal. This versatility lets you tailor the dish to any occasion, from casual family dinners to weekend BBQ parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish keeps well for up to 3 days and the flavors actually meld beautifully over time, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled kielbasa tortellini mixture, although the texture of the tortellini might change slightly after freezing. Pack the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and use within 2 months for best taste.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to ensure even heating and to refresh that grilled flavor. Avoid the microwave if possible, as the textures can become mushy. Adding a splash of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs while reheating brings life back to the dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the tortellini according to the package instructions and drain them well before mixing with the other ingredients for grilling. Fresh or frozen both work great here.
What kind of kielbasa is best for grilling?
Opt for a smoked kielbasa with a firm texture; it holds up better on the grill and has a delicious smoky flavor that complements the tortellini and vegetables perfectly.
Can I make this recipe on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, you can! Just use a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook in batches, stirring frequently to mimic the grill basket effect. It’s a great alternative if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently, but the paprika adds a gentle smokiness rather than heat. You can easily add some crushed red pepper or hot sauce if you’d like to turn up the spice.
Can I add other vegetables to the Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and variety. Just slice them similarly and make sure they grill evenly with the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe is such a joyous blend of comfort and bold flavors that it quickly becomes a favorite for any grilling occasion. With minimal prep and straightforward ingredients, you’re gifted a meal that’s as satisfying as it is impressive. Give it a go and watch this dish become one of those recipes you can’t wait to share with friends and family again and again!
Print
Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Kielbasa Tortellini recipe combines smoky, charred kielbasa and colorful bell peppers with tender cheese tortellini for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal. Perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners, the dish uses a grilling basket to infuse every bite with a delicious grilled aroma while keeping the tortellini intact. Finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory, smoky, and cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Pasta
- 12 oz kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 9 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or pre-packaged
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it reaches the right temperature for cooking the kielbasa and vegetables evenly and to achieve a nice char.
- Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the tortellini well and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the sliced kielbasa, cooked tortellini, olive oil, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, sliced red onion, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the seasonings and olive oil.
- Prepare the Grilling Basket: Lightly grease the grilling basket to prevent sticking. Transfer the entire mixture into the basket, spreading it out evenly to allow for uniform cooking.
- Grill the Mixture: Place the grilling basket on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the kielbasa develops a char and the vegetables become tender while the tortellini absorbs the smoky flavors.
- Transfer to Serving Dish: Carefully remove the grilling basket from the grill. Transfer the grilled mixture to a serving dish, ensuring all the flavorful bits are included.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the grilled tortellini and kielbasa mixture. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use a grilling basket to keep the tortellini and smaller vegetables from falling through the grill grates.
- Feel free to substitute kielbasa with another smoked sausage variety if preferred.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when tossing the ingredients.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to retain the grilled flavors.
