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
Scale
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.
