Welcome to the world of flavors with our delightful “One Pan Tortellini with Sausage” recipe! This dish is a simple symphony of comfort that’s perfect for weeknights when you crave a delicious meal without a kitchen full of dishes. It’s cheesy, savory, and packed with all the right notes of flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, making both preparation and cleanup a breeze.
- Rich Flavor: The sausage and garlic blend beautifully with the creamy sauce, creating a truly savory experience.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weekday dinners.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap ingredients to suit your preferences or what’s in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This “One Pan Tortellini with Sausage” is a testament to how a few well-chosen ingredients can create a meal brimming with flavor. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, from the robust sausage to the creamy tortellini, ensuring every bite is perfectly satisfying.
- Italian Sausages: Opt for mild or hot depending on your spice preference; they bring a hearty, meaty flavor.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a punch of aroma and depth to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: This adds a light savory base that enhances the other flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes: Use the juices too, as they add a tangy sweetness that balances the dish.
- Heavy Cream: Provides richness and a luscious texture to the sauce.
- Cheese Tortellini: The star of the show, bringing cheesy goodness that melds perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery note while adding color and nutrition.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking is making a dish your own. This “One Pan Tortellini with Sausage” is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tweak it according to dietary needs or craving curves. Here are some suggestions to get you started!
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for mushrooms for a rich, earthy version.
- Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles instead of tortellini for a low-carb twist.
- Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
How to Make One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the sausage into the pan, and cook until it turns a nice golden brown. If there’s excess fat, drain it, but leave enough to sauté the garlic.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Add minced garlic to the sausage, followed by chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cream, and tortellini. Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers uncovered for about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Spinach
Gently fold in the fresh baby spinach, letting it wilt into the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and finish with a generous sprinkle of parmesan if desired.
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
- Select Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and quality sausages for the freshest burst of flavors.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for an unexpected, exciting tang.
- Texture Triumph: Allow the tortellini to absorb the sauce for a creamy consistency that clings perfectly.
- Cheat’s Parmesan: A little sprinkle of nutmeg in the cream can mimic the nuttiness of parmesan cheese.
How to Serve One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Garnishes
A great dish is often defined by its finishing touches. Top your tortellini with fresh basil leaves or a dusting of chili flakes for added color and a dash of heat. And of course, a sprinkle of freshly-grated parmesan cheese never hurt anyone!
Side Dishes
This hearty “One Pan Tortellini with Sausage” pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or a side of garlic bread. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce, while the salad offers a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Brighten your table setting with rustic serving dishes or individual cast iron skillets, providing a charming, homey feel. For family gatherings, consider a large, shallow bowl that showcases this colorful dish to its fullest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Perfect for enjoying even more delectable lunches throughout the week!
Freezing
As this dish contains cream, freezing is not recommended as it can cause the sauce to separate and alter texture. It’s best to savor it freshly made or refrigerated for a short time.
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer to a skillet and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to blend any separated sauce. Add a splash of water or cream if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can! Simply adjust the cooking time, allowing the tortellini to cook through as frozen pasta generally takes a bit longer to cook.
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Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the richest texture, a full-fat coconut cream can be a dairy-free alternative if you’re adventurous with flavors.
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Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be sautéed along with the sausage for added nutrition and taste.
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What type of sausage should I use?
Mild or hot Italian sausages work great, but feel free to experiment with other varieties for different flavor profiles.
Final Thoughts
Spending quality time over a meal as fulfilling as our “One Pan Tortellini with Sausage” is a delight not to be missed. Warm, inviting, and quite simply made—for your family or just yourself, it’s a recipe destined to become a staple. Dive into happiness, one blissful bite at a time!
Print
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This one-pan tortellini with sausage is a creamy, comforting dish that combines flavorful Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich tomato–cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it requires minimal cleanup and delivers bold flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Proteins
- 11 ounces Italian sausages crumbled, see note
Produce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
Pantry Staples
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Remove the sausage meat from casings and crumble into a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary, then leave the sausage in the pan.
- Add aromatics and liquids: Add minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juices, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add tortellini: Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the dish into bowls, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- I used 3 sausages from a 5-pack of Johnsonville mild Italian sausages. Any around 11 oz will work, or you can use more sausage meat for extra flavor.
- Hot Italian sausages add a spicy kick if you prefer heat.
- Heavy cream is recommended as a substitute for lighter options to prevent curdling when combined with the tomato acids.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 594 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1063 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 117 mg
