If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together with minimal fuss, you’re going to fall in love with this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe. It’s a brilliant blend of Italian sausage, creamy sauce, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach all cooked in one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends without drowning in dishes, this recipe hits all the marks for flavor, texture, and convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the rich sausage providing savory depth, to the fresh spinach that brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready before you start cooking:
- 11 ounces Italian sausage, crumbled: Choose a quality sausage for the best flavor; removing casings makes cooking easier.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and subtle spice to the sauce.
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach: Provides freshness and a lovely green contrast.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Lightly thins the sauce while adding savory notes.
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices: Brings acidity and sweetness to balance the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the tortellini.
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star pasta packed with cheesy goodness that soaks up all the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but essential seasoning to round out the dish.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish when sprinkled on top.
How to Make One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by removing the sausage meat from its casings and crumble it into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook it thoroughly, stirring occasionally until all the meat is browned and no longer pink. This step builds the hearty base of the dish with rich flavors. Drain any excess fat if there’s too much, but don’t discard the sausage—it stays right in the pan for the next steps.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Liquids
Once the sausage is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with that lovely garlicky aroma. Immediately pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with all their juices), and the heavy cream. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful ingredients, starting to form the creamy sauce that will hug every bite of tortellini.
Step 3: Simmer the Tortellini
Add your refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet, making sure they’re submerged in the sauce. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking and ensure the tortellini cooks evenly until tender, while the sauce thickens beautifully around them.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Now it’s time for your fresh baby spinach. Stir it into the skillet and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves just wilt. This adds freshness and a subtle crunch that balances the creamy richness. Season the entire dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors to your liking.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Plate your creation straight from the pan—no extra pots or pans needed! If you like, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top to add a salty, nutty punch. Serve it hot and watch everyone savor every comforting, saucy bite.
How to Serve One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, consider topping it with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a fresh herbaceous note that complements the richness. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will add even more dimension. Parmesan cheese is the classic go-to garnish that melts slightly and adds a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is fairly rich, so pairing it with a light, crisp side can be the perfect contrast. Try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or a crusty garlic bread to mop up that delicious sauce. These sides keep the meal balanced without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe in wide shallow bowls to show off the creamy sauce and colorful ingredients. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can bring a restaurant-quality look right to your table. For a casual get-together, scoop servings into mini ramekins for easy individual portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to do so before adding fresh spinach. Store the cooked tortellini and sausage mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh spinach when reheating to keep it vibrant.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving unless you stir frequently to maintain even heating.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage works just as well and makes the dish a bit lighter. Just make sure it’s seasoned well because Italian sausage typically has a lot of herbs and spices.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the sausage for plant-based sausage or skip it altogether and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to keep it filling and flavorful.
What’s the best type of tortellini to use?
Refrigerated cheese tortellini is perfect because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce wonderfully. Fresh tortellini would also work, but dried might need additional cooking time.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Look for gluten-free tortellini varieties available at many supermarkets, and double-check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sausage mixture and sauce in advance, then cook the tortellini and spinach just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Give this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe a try next time you want something effortlessly delicious and satisfying. It’s like loving your favorite Italian comfort meal but with less time and fewer dishes to clean up. Trust me, once you taste that creamy, savory goodness all packed into one skillet, you’ll want to make it your go-to weeknight hero too!
Print
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pan Tortellini with Sausage recipe is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired meal that combines savory crumbled Italian sausage, creamy cheese tortellini, fresh baby spinach, and a rich tomato-cream sauce all cooked together in a single skillet. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it delivers hearty flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat & Dairy
- 11 ounces Italian sausages, crumbled
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, optional, to taste
Produce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
Canned Goods
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Pasta
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Remove the sausage meat from the casings and crumble it into a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then keep the sausage in the pan.
- Add garlic and liquids: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and heavy cream, stirring everything together until well combined.
- Cook the tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet, ensuring they are fully submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Wilt the spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the tortellini and sausage mixture, garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Make sure the tortellini is fully submerged in liquid to cook evenly.
- Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients but can be swapped with kale or arugula if desired.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
