Italian Style Tortellini

This is something I make when the weather gets colder. Very hearty and filling.

• Ready In: 41 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) bag  frozen cheese tortellini
• 3⁄4 lb sweet Italian sausage links or 3⁄4 lb hot Italian sausage link
• 12  sun-dried tomatoes, not packed in oil
• 1  cup  chopped onion
• 2  teaspoons instant minced garlic
• 1⁄4 cup pine nuts
• 1⁄4 cup  grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook tortellini according to the package directions.
2. While the tortellini is cooking, remove casings from Italian sausage links.
3. Cook sausage in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat; break sausage up in to crumbled pieces and stir occasionally to prevent sticking;.
4. While the sausage is cooking, coarsely chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Put chopped tomatoes in a 2-cup glass measuring cup; add 1 cup water and microwave on high for 3 minutes.
6. Let tomatoes stand in water for 5 minutes.
7. While the tomatoes are softening, add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage; saute/stir for 3 minutes.
8. Add in the garlic and stir.
9. Take the sun-dried tomatoes out of the water using a slotted spoon, reserve the liquid.
10. Add the tomatoes and pine nuts to the skillet; stir.
11. Cook until the sausage is not pink; if mixture is dry, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup reserved tomato liquid.
12. Drain tortellini and transfer to a large (at least 3-quart) serving bowl.
13. Add in the meat mixture and parmesan cheese.
14. Toss to combine; season to taste with salt and pepper.
15. Serve immediately.