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If you’re craving a dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and packed with comforting flavors, this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender cheese tortellini swimming in a creamy tomato sauce, enriched by savory Italian sausage and brightened with fresh spinach—all made in just one pan with minimal cleanup. This dish combines hearty, rich tastes with a simple process that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a flavorful, fuss-free meal on your table fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes the dish so irresistible.
- Italian sausages (11 ounces, crumbled): Provide a savory, spiced foundation that brings depth and richness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a warm, aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
- Fresh baby spinach (2 cups, loosely packed): Introduces a pop of vibrant green and subtle earthiness.
- Chicken broth (1/4 cup): Helps create a flavorful base and keeps everything moist.
- Diced tomatoes with juices (1 can, 14 ounces): Add acidity and freshness to balance the creamy sauce.
- Heavy or whipping cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (1 package, 9 ounces): Soft, cheesy pasta that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the flavors.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
How to Make One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by removing the sausage meat from its casings and crumb it into a large skillet. Cook it over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This creates a hearty, flavorful base. If there’s excess fat, drain it off but keep those tasty browned bits in the pan—they’ll boost your sauce flavor!
Step 2: Build Your Sauce
Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the heavy cream. Stir everything together to marry those flavors. This step is where your sauce starts to come alive with creamy richness and tomato brightness.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the skillet, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes while stirring occasionally. This allows the tortellini to soften and soak up those delicious flavors while the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
Step 4: Add Fresh Spinach
Once the tortellini is tender, stir in the fresh baby spinach. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts down and becomes tender. This addition not only adds vibrant color but also a subtle fresh note that balances out the richness beautifully.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Scoop the dish onto plates or bowls and if you like, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor that melts perfectly into the warm pasta. Serve immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the comforting magic you’ve just created.
How to Serve One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
To make this dish pop visually and flavor-wise, freshly grated Parmesan is a classic choice that adds salty, nutty complexity. A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley also brings a wonderful brightness. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can work wonders.
Side Dishes
This meal is rich and filling on its own, but if you want to create a fuller dinner experience, consider a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complement the dish perfectly, helping mop up every bit of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next dinner, serve the One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe in individual mini casserole dishes, topped with extra cheese and broiled for a golden crust. Or try plating it over a bed of lightly sautéed greens for an elegant presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a quick and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just remember that the texture of the spinach might change slightly, but the taste remains fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, in short bursts to keep the tortellini tender and moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap Italian sausages with any sausage you like, such as spicy chorizo, mild breakfast sausage, or even a chicken sausage. Just adjust cooking times if needed, depending on the sausage type.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You could also use plant-based sausage alternatives to keep the protein element.
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Definitely. If using frozen tortellini, you may need to increase the simmering time by a few minutes until the pasta is cooked through. Keep an eye on the sauce to ensure it doesn’t reduce too much.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer a little longer uncovered, stirring occasionally. You can also stir in a little grated Parmesan cheese or a small spoonful of cream cheese for added richness and thickness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk works fine, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free choice, coconut milk or cashew cream can be great alternatives with a slightly different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the ease and comfort wrapped up in the One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to keep revisiting whenever time is tight but you still want something hearty, delicious, and full of flavor. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite weeknight winner!
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One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and easy one-pan meal featuring Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 11 ounces Italian sausages, crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
Pasta and Greens
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, 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 browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary, then keep the sausage in the pan.
- Sauté garlic and add 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 to combine everything evenly.
- Cook the tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet, ensuring they are 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 has thickened slightly.
- Add spinach and season: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the dish, garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- The Italian sausage can be mild or spicy depending on your preference.
- Draining excess fat after browning sausage helps reduce greasiness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but sauce may be less creamy.
- Fresh baby spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard as alternatives.
- Freshly grated parmesan adds a nice finishing touch but is optional.
