One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe

Picture this: plump cheese-filled tortellini, juicy sausage, loads of silky greens, and a zesty, cheesy finish, all bubbling away in one skillet. That’s the magic of One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner—a weeknight comfort meal that’s both soul-satisfying and low-effort. Cozy, hearty, and absolutely brimming with flavor, it’s a lifesaver when you need dinner in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner is all about big flavor with minimal ingredients. Each star element does heavy lifting—don’t skimp on quality, and you’ll taste the difference in every mouthful!

• Fresh cheese tortellini (20 oz): Use fresh (refrigerated) for speedy cooking and pillowy texture; choose your favorite cheese filling.
• Ground mild Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds richness, zest, and lots of heartiness—mild balances perfectly with the creamy pasta, but use spicy if you love a kick!
• Olive oil (2 TBSP): Sets the stage for sautéing the aromatics, giving a lovely, golden base for every ingredient.
• Red onion (½, diced): Contributes sweetness and a beautiful pop of color; red is milder than yellow here.
• Garlic cloves (2 large, minced): Skillet cooking turns garlic extra fragrant and lush, so don’t hold back.
• Baby spinach (4 cups, ribboned or torn): Toss in armfuls—spinach wilts down for earthy flavor, nutrients, and a pretty swirl of green.
• Chicken broth (1 cup, more if needed): Gently simmers tortellini to pillowy perfection and soaks up all those delicious sausage drippings.
• Sea salt & cracked black pepper: Sprinkle to taste—seasoning is key, especially with cheesy pasta and sausage.
• Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano (¼ cup, grated): Shaves of zesty, nutty cheese melt into the sauce for depth and finish.
• Lemon (zest and juice): Brightens up every bite and balances the richness with sunny acidity.

Variations

There are so many ways to make this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner your own! The basic recipe is endlessly flexible—feel free to get creative with what’s in your fridge, or tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.

• Swap the Greens: Try kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula instead of spinach for a little more bite or earthiness.
• Change Up the Sausage: Turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage will all work beautifully—just adjust seasoning to match.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded mozzarella for extra coziness and a lush sauce.
• Add Roasted Veggies: Toss in roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even sautéed mushrooms for more color and texture.

How to Make One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Scatter in your diced red onion and cook for about two minutes. The onions should start to soften and release their sweet aroma—this is your flavor foundation, so let them get a touch of golden color before you go further.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Garlic

Tumble in the minced garlic and then add the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Let the sausage get deliciously browned in spots—this caramelization creates big, savory flavor! Cook for about 5 minutes, until the sausage is mostly done with just a hint of pink left.

Step 3: Simmer the Tortellini

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the fresh tortellini straight to the skillet. Stir and nudge the pasta so it sits snugly in the sausage and broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet to let the tortellini steam and cook through (this usually takes about 4 minutes—check your package for the exact timing).

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Add the Finishing Touches

Once the tortellini are tender, uncover the skillet and scatter in the ribboned spinach, grated cheese, and lemon zest. Gently stir everything together and let it cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until the greens wilt and the cheese melts into the sauce, making it all creamy and gorgeous.

Step 5: Brighten and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, and grind over a bit more black pepper. Give everything a final toss, top with extra cheese if you like (who wouldn’t?), and serve this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner straight from the pan while it’s piping hot.

How to Serve One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner

Garnishes

Try a generous flourish of grated cheese, a sprinkle of extra lemon zest, and a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. A few chili flakes over the top will wake up your taste buds, too. Don’t be shy—you can even drizzle a little more top-quality olive oil for a glossy finish!

Side Dishes

This One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner is a complete meal, but it absolutely sings alongside a crisp green salad with a tart vinaigrette. For a little extra indulgence, warm slices of crusty Italian bread or garlic knots will help you mop up every last drop of that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it straight from the skillet on the table for rustic, family-style drama, or spoon portions into shallow bowls and top with a twist of lemon and herbs for a restaurant-worthy touch. For parties, portion into mini cast-iron pans or ramekins for crowd-pleasing single servings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even deeper, making this skillet dinner an irresistible next-day lunch or snack.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months—just note that the tortellini will soften slightly after thawing. Allow the dish to cool completely, then portion into freezer-friendly containers before stashing away.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to restore the sauciness. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring between bursts to avoid overcooking the tortellini.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner is about to become your new go-to, promising big flavor and total comfort with almost no effort. Give it a try soon—there’s nothing better than gathering around a skillet and savoring homemade pasta happiness!

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