When you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal but short on time (and energy!), One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is your delicious answer. In just about 25 minutes, you get pillowy cheese tortellini swimming in a creamy tomato sauce with savory Italian sausage and pops of wilted spinach—plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Magic: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, making weeknight cleanup so easy you’ll actually look forward to it.
- Ultra Creamy Sauce: A dreamy blend of crushed tomatoes and heavy cream clings to every cheesy tortellini bite and savory sausage crumble.
- Ready in 25 Minutes: Yes, this is real comfort food you can whip up after a busy day—no complicated steps or long simmering times required!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Even picky eaters swoon for the cheesy, garlicky, and just-slightly-spicy combination of sausage and pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple without skimping on flavor. Each ingredient plays a starring role—think juicy Italian sausage, pillowy cheese tortellini, and just the right touch of creamy tomato sauce—with baby spinach for color and a veggie boost.
- Italian sausages (about 11 ounces): Go for mild if you love cozy flavors, or hot for a kick—crumbled from the casing for that irresistible, rustic texture.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the whole dish with classic Italian aroma and flavor; fresh is best here!
- Chicken broth (1/4 cup): Adds depth and brings everything together into a silken sauce (low-sodium is fine, adjust salt if needed).
- Diced tomatoes with juices (1 can, 14 ounces): The backbone of your sauce; don’t drain the can.
- Heavy/whipping cream (1/2 cup): Creates that signature velvety finish—don’t skip or substitute, as the cream prevents curdling with the tomatoes.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (9 ounces): Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and soaks up all the saucy flavors—no need to boil separately.
- Fresh baby spinach (2 cups, loosely packed): Wilts perfectly at the end, adding vibrant color and a hint of earthiness.
- Salt & pepper: For seasoning right at the end, to taste—it brings everything into balance.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional): An irresistible finish for an extra burst of savory umami!
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage your own—this recipe is incredibly flexible and can easily be tweaked to fit your pantry, your tastebuds, or any dietary needs. Here are just a few fun ways to switch it up!
- Spice it Up: Use hot or spicy Italian sausage for more heat, or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Add More Veggies: Wilt in extra greens like kale, or toss in a handful of halved cherry tomatoes or sautéed bell peppers for even more color and nutrients.
- Go Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free tortellini from the specialty section, keeping all the cheesy indulgence.
- Lighter Option: Try chicken or turkey Italian sausage and swap in a light cream or even a splash of whole milk (just know it may not be quite as creamy).
How to Make One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by removing the sausage meat from its casings and crumbling it directly into a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through—this builds a ton of deep, savory flavor at the base. If there’s a lot of fat rendered, carefully spoon off most of it, but leave just a little for richness.
Step 2: Build the Sauce & Cook the Tortellini
Add the minced garlic to the hot pan, letting it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant (nothing beats that aroma!). Then pour in your chicken broth, the whole can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), the heavy cream, and the cheese tortellini. Stir to combine, bring it up to a simmer, and let everything cook, uncovered, for 5–7 minutes. The tortellini will plump up and release starch to thicken your creamy tomato sauce like magic.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach & Finish
As soon as your tortellini are tender and luscious, stir in the fresh baby spinach. It will wilt in a matter of seconds from the heat—turning the dish vibrant green and adding a welcome freshness. Taste and adjust with a little salt and pepper if needed, then serve hot, topped with plenty of parmesan cheese if desired.
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
- Sausage Selection: Both sweet and hot Italian sausages work, but look for ones with a good fat content—it gives you that savory foundation and extra-flavorful sauce.
- Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Cheese tortellini cook super fast in sauce—once they float and plump up, they’re ready; overcooking can make them mushy.
- Deglaze for Extra Flavor: After browning sausage, a tiny splash of chicken broth helps release those caramelized bits on the bottom for maximum depth.
- Cream Matters: Stick with heavy cream as lighter dairy (like milk or half-and-half) may separate because of the acidity from the tomatoes.
How to Serve One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Garnishes
A generous snowfall of freshly grated parmesan is always a classic, but don’t stop there if you’re feeling extra—a scattering of torn basil or flat-leaf parsley adds a pop of green and fresh flavor as well. A little crack of black pepper over the top looks beautiful and adds warmth.
Side Dishes
Since One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is so hearty, keep the sides light. A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, or a slice of crusty bread (perfect for soaking up sauce) are all delicious choices to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual family nights, bring the skillet straight to the table for a rustic, shareable vibe. Hosting? Spoon the saucy tortellini into wide, shallow bowls and pile high with parmesan and greens for restaurant-worthy presentation. You can even portion into mini ramekins or serve over a bed of sautéed greens for a lighter twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer them into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making tomorrow’s lunch even better!
Freezing
You can freeze One Pan Tortellini with Sausage, but keep in mind the texture of the tortellini may soften a bit upon reheating. Let the dish cool, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works in a pinch, but closely watch the time to avoid overcooking the tortellini.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can! Add a few extra minutes to the simmering time to ensure the frozen tortellini cook through and become tender. Make sure to stir occasionally as they thaw and cook directly in the sauce.
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Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?
It’s a little tricky since the cheese tortellini and heavy cream both contain dairy, but you can experiment with dairy-free filled tortellini and a rich, unsweetened plant-based cream. Just know the final sauce may be less creamy.
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What’s the best way to add extra protein or bulk?
Try adding more sausage, or stir in a can of white beans (drained and rinsed) after the tortellini cooks. You can also top each bowl with a fried egg for a bit of richness and extra satisfaction!
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Can I double One Pan Tortellini with Sausage for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use an extra-large skillet or a Dutch oven to avoid overcrowding, or make two separate batches for best results. Leftovers keep well, so making more is never a bad idea.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—cozy, quick, and rewarding with every bite. Give it a try this week and watch it become a new favorite (warning: it tends to disappear fast!). Gather around, sprinkle on the parmesan, and let the comfort begin.
Print
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and easy one-pan tortellini dish with crumbled Italian sausages, diced tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Italian Sausages:
11 ounces crumbledGarlic:
3 cloves, mincedChicken Broth:
1/4 cupDiced Tomatoes:
1 can (14 ounces) with juicesHeavy/Whipping Cream:
1/2 cupCheese Tortellini:
1 package (9 ounces)Fresh Baby Spinach:
2 cups loosely packedSalt & Pepper:
To tasteParmesan Cheese:
Freshly grated, optional, to tasteInstructions
- Cook the Sausage: Crumble the sausage meat into a skillet and brown over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cream, and tortellini. Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with parmesan.
Notes
- I used 3 sausages from a 5-pack of Johnsonville mild Italian sausages. Feel free to use more sausage if desired.
- Avoid substituting heavy cream to prevent curdling due to the acidity of the tomatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 594 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1063mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 117mg
