Ingredients:

For the Tortellini:

1 lb (about 450g) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb (about 450g) ground Italian sausage or a mix of beef and pork

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Summer Vegetables:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup zucchini, diced

1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced

1 cup fresh corn kernels (you can use cooked corn on the cob)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tomato-Basil Sauce:

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tortellini:

Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Meat:

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage or beef/pork mix. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.

3. Sauté Summer Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow bell pepper, fresh corn, and minced garlic until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and black pepper.

4. Make Tomato-Basil Sauce:

In a separate saucepan, combine halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, tomato paste, and chicken or vegetable broth. Simmer over medium heat until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Combine Ingredients:

Add the cooked tortellini and browned meat to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together until well combined.

6. Finish and Serve:

Pour the tomato-basil sauce over the tortellini and toss to coat.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve the meaty summer tortellini in bowls, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves.

Optional Tips:

Grate some Parmesan cheese over the top for extra richness.

Consider adding a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for added flavor.