Now that we're in the blazing heat of summer, I find myself being less gung-ho about cooking a big meal. Does anyone really feel like dealing with a hot oven?? I think not. But then again, how much take out food can we really stand before we get sick of it? (And lets not even talk about how it can break the bank.)
So I started looking for ideas.
Hmm.. I was thinking maybe something for the stove top (no hot oven).. something in one pot (no extra dishes to wash) and something that is quick and easy to throw together. Right.
Then I saw someone on the tick tocks making a Sausage and Cabbage Alfredo. Oooo YUM. That's it! So I gave it a try. Sounds delicious, right? WRONG. I made it exactly as it was written, and it was absolutely terrible! It was so over seasoned, I couldn't even eat it. Crazy, right?? Of course, I should have known better. I knew it seemed like too much seasoning as I was cooking it. Ah well. Live and learn, I suppose. But I still loved the idea, and I knew I could do better, so I started over.
First and foremost, I knew the smoked sausage would have enough spice for the entire dish, so I literally cut out all other additional seasonings. I didn't even add salt. It was all already ready already.
Second, I knew I could make my own Alfredo sauce, but frankly, I was going for the super easy short cut, so I just used a jar of Prego and called it a day. I'm certainly not above using a jar of marinara sauce for spaghetti, so I'm definitely not above using a jar of Alfredo sauce.
And finally, I decided to add bacon and tortellini, because why not?
Let me just say, OMG it was absolutely delicious!!! THIS, Ladies and Gentleman, was what this dish wanted to be all along. It also fits all the criteria and it came together in a snap.
Bonus, it feeds a crowd and you won't break the bank. Perfect, right??
So keep this one in mind the next time you don't really feel like cooking. I promise your family will thank you!
5 or 6 strips bacon, chopped
1 small onion, sliced
1 lb any kind of smoked sausage, spicy or mild, sliced into coins
1/2 of a medium green cabbage, cored and sliced into ribbons
1 14oz jar purchased Alfredo sauce (I like Prego)
1/2 sauce jar of milk
1 lb cheese tortellini
Parmesan cheese
Place the bacon in a cold large pan or dutch oven over medium heat, not too high. Let the fat slowly render. Now add your sliced onions and sausage coins. Continue to sauté and stir over medium heat until the meats begin to brown and the onions begin to soften.
Add your sliced cabbage. Give everything a good toss. Cover. Let it steam for a few minutes, then remove the cover and toss again, making sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue to wilt the cabbage until crisp tender. Now add the tortellini and jar of Alfredo sauce. Fill the jar halfway with milk to rinse out the remaining sauce and add to the pot. Gently stir everything to combine. It should only take a few minutes to heat through. When the tortellini is done, you're ready to serve. Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Garnish with a little chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips:
Be sure to start out with a big pot. I have a big enamel plated cast iron pot that works nicely.
If your bacon doesn't give you enough fat to sauté the sausage and onions, go ahead and add a little olive oil.
There's no need to add any extra liquid for cooking the tortellini. The cabbage gives off enough moisture to take care of it. If you find that the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a little drizzle of milk.
Feel like making your own Alfredo sauce? Who am I to stop you???
If you're counting carbs, just cut out the tortellini.
Don't like tortellini? Pour it over wide egg noodles or rigatoni! Just cook them according to package directions. Easy!
So I started looking for ideas.
Hmm.. I was thinking maybe something for the stove top (no hot oven).. something in one pot (no extra dishes to wash) and something that is quick and easy to throw together. Right.
Then I saw someone on the tick tocks making a Sausage and Cabbage Alfredo. Oooo YUM. That's it! So I gave it a try. Sounds delicious, right? WRONG. I made it exactly as it was written, and it was absolutely terrible! It was so over seasoned, I couldn't even eat it. Crazy, right?? Of course, I should have known better. I knew it seemed like too much seasoning as I was cooking it. Ah well. Live and learn, I suppose. But I still loved the idea, and I knew I could do better, so I started over.
First and foremost, I knew the smoked sausage would have enough spice for the entire dish, so I literally cut out all other additional seasonings. I didn't even add salt. It was all already ready already.
Second, I knew I could make my own Alfredo sauce, but frankly, I was going for the super easy short cut, so I just used a jar of Prego and called it a day. I'm certainly not above using a jar of marinara sauce for spaghetti, so I'm definitely not above using a jar of Alfredo sauce.
And finally, I decided to add bacon and tortellini, because why not?
Let me just say, OMG it was absolutely delicious!!! THIS, Ladies and Gentleman, was what this dish wanted to be all along. It also fits all the criteria and it came together in a snap.
Bonus, it feeds a crowd and you won't break the bank. Perfect, right??
So keep this one in mind the next time you don't really feel like cooking. I promise your family will thank you!
5 or 6 strips bacon, chopped
1 small onion, sliced
1 lb any kind of smoked sausage, spicy or mild, sliced into coins
1/2 of a medium green cabbage, cored and sliced into ribbons
1 14oz jar purchased Alfredo sauce (I like Prego)
1/2 sauce jar of milk
1 lb cheese tortellini
Parmesan cheese
Place the bacon in a cold large pan or dutch oven over medium heat, not too high. Let the fat slowly render. Now add your sliced onions and sausage coins. Continue to sauté and stir over medium heat until the meats begin to brown and the onions begin to soften.
Add your sliced cabbage. Give everything a good toss. Cover. Let it steam for a few minutes, then remove the cover and toss again, making sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue to wilt the cabbage until crisp tender. Now add the tortellini and jar of Alfredo sauce. Fill the jar halfway with milk to rinse out the remaining sauce and add to the pot. Gently stir everything to combine. It should only take a few minutes to heat through. When the tortellini is done, you're ready to serve. Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Garnish with a little chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips:
Be sure to start out with a big pot. I have a big enamel plated cast iron pot that works nicely.
If your bacon doesn't give you enough fat to sauté the sausage and onions, go ahead and add a little olive oil.
There's no need to add any extra liquid for cooking the tortellini. The cabbage gives off enough moisture to take care of it. If you find that the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a little drizzle of milk.
Feel like making your own Alfredo sauce? Who am I to stop you???
If you're counting carbs, just cut out the tortellini.
Don't like tortellini? Pour it over wide egg noodles or rigatoni! Just cook them according to package directions. Easy!
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