If you are craving a delightful weeknight dinner that comes together quickly yet feels incredibly special, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: this brilliant One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe. Imagine tender cheese tortellini enveloped in a luscious tomato-cream sauce with perfectly seasoned Italian sausage and a pop of fresh spinach, all cooked in one skillet for minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s a comforting, saucy dish that satisfies every craving without a mountain of dishes, making busy evenings feel like a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. Every element is easy to find but brings something unique to the table, from the spicy sausage to the creamy sauce and vibrant spinach.
- 11 ounces Italian sausages: Removing the casings and crumbling the meat ensures a rich, flavorful base with perfectly browned bits.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic adds a fragrant depth that complements the meat and sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: This liquid deglazes the pan and helps create a silky sauce without heaviness.
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Tomatoes bring brightness and acidity to balance the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream: Adds indulgent creaminess that transforms the sauce into a luscious coating.
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini cooks quickly and melts right into the sauce’s embrace.
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach: Fresh spinach adds a burst of green color and subtle earthy flavor, plus a nutritional boost.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste): A sprinkle on top takes this dish from delicious to irresistible with umami richness.
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 straight into your skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring now and then, until it’s beautifully browned all over. This step builds a savory foundation with caramelized edges and keeps the dish packed with meaty flavor. If there’s too much fat released, drain most but keep just enough to coat the pan for cooking the other ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Garlic, Liquids, and Tortellini
Next, toss in the minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the cream right into the pan with the sausage. Then gently nestle in your refrigerated cheese tortellini. Let everything cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes. The tortellini cooks right in the sauce, releasing starch and thickening the mixture into a creamy, clingy coating that hugs every pasta piece.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach and Season
Once the tortellini is tender and the sauce is just how you like it, stir in the fresh baby spinach. The residual heat wilts the greens to tender perfection, adding a fresh, vibrant contrast. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as you go. Serve piping hot with an optional shower of freshly grated parmesan cheese for that extra touch of decadence.
How to Serve One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A quick sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese offers a nutty, salty finish that pairs so well with the creamy tomato sauce. For a bit of freshness and color, chopped fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes elevate the dish beautifully. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can add brightness if desired.
Side Dishes
This dish is a full meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for peppery crunch. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread works like a charm to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. If you want to add more veggies, roasted broccoli or sautéed mushrooms complement the rich flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, serve the One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe straight from a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and serve alongside small bowls of parmesan and chili flakes so everyone can customize. Another fun way is to bake this dish briefly with a sprinkling of mozzarella for a bubbly, golden crust on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this recipe is saucy, the flavors tend to meld beautifully overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing the container to preserve freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe, place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It freezes well for up to 2 months. To avoid the spinach becoming too limp, you can opt to add fresh spinach when reheating rather than freezing it in the dish.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring often, or in the microwave in short bursts to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps restore the saucy consistency and keeps the tortellini tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds great flavor, you can swap in spicy chorizo, sweet sausage, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. Just cook it the same way, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Do I have to use fresh spinach, or can I use frozen?
Fresh baby spinach provides the best texture and color, but frozen spinach can be a substitute in a pinch. Just thaw and drain it well before adding it in to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Definitely! Use plant-based sausage alternatives and swap heavy cream for coconut or cashew cream. Also, pick vegan tortellini or any filled pasta of choice for a fully vegan twist packed with bold, comforting flavors.
Why does the sauce thicken when cooking tortellini in it?
The starch released by the cooking tortellini naturally thickens the sauce, giving it a creamy, velvety texture without needing extra thickeners. This makes the dish richer and ensures every bite is coated in silky goodness.
Is it okay if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. To compensate, you might want to reduce the sauce a bit longer or add a bit of cream cheese for extra body.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe is one of those magical dishes that come together effortlessly yet feel like a labor of love. It’s a fantastic way to infuse quick weeknight dinners with warm, comforting flavors and minimal cleanup. I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing it as much as I do—give it a try and let it become your go-to for those busy nights that deserve something cozy and delicious.
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
A simple and delicious one-pan meal featuring Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh baby spinach cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. This quick and hearty dish combines savory flavors with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 11 ounces Italian sausages (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Pasta
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Greens and Seasoning
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Remove the Italian sausage meat from the casings and crumble it into a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving some fat in the pan for flavor.
- Cook tortellini in sauce: Add minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juices, heavy cream, and the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tortellini is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your preference. The starch released from the tortellini helps thicken the sauce.
- Add spinach and season: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook just until wilted. Season the dish with salt and pepper according to taste. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use turkey or chicken sausage.
- Adjust the cream quantity to make the sauce thicker or thinner based on preference.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
