One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe

If you’re craving a weeknight meal that delivers big on both comfort and flavor without a mountain of dirty dishes, then One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is about to become your new dinnertime hero. This dish wraps tender cheese tortellini, velvety cream, and savory sausage into a luscious sauce—plus a handful of spinach for good measure—all in just 25 minutes. With its easy prep and hearty, crowd-pleasing taste, this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is truly a game changer for busy nights or whenever you want a dinner that feels special with next-to-no effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how every ingredient in this recipe does double duty, blending seamlessly to create a meal bursting with color, texture, and rich flavor. Each piece has a role to play, from building the savory backbone to lending a pop of freshness at the end.

• Italian Sausages (11 ounces, crumbled): The heart of this dish—opt for mild or hot depending on your zing preference, and don’t be afraid to go generous for even more flavor.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic becomes mellow and aromatic as it cooks, giving the sauce its signature depth.
• Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): Adds nuanced savory notes and helps bring the sauce together beautifully.
• Diced Tomatoes (14-ounce can, with juices): Tomatoes create a tangy, bright sauce base that perfectly balances the cream.
• Heavy/Whipping Cream (1/2 cup): Don’t skip this! It’s what makes the sauce silky and luscious—milk just won’t cut it here.
• Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini (9-ounce package): These plump pasta pockets soak up all that gorgeous sauce as they cook right in the pan.
• Fresh Baby Spinach (2 cups, loosely packed): The spinach wilts into the sauce, adding nutrition and a lovely pop of green.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste, bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): For an irresistible finish—nothing beats the melt and savories of real parmesan.

How to Make One Pan Tortellini with Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by removing the sausage meat from the casings and crumbling it directly into a large skillet. Cook the sausage over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s brown and caramelized in spots. If you notice too much grease in the pan, scoop most of it out—just leave a little behind for flavor. The sausage brings a smoky, savory punch to your One Pan Tortellini with Sausage, creating the kind of base that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.

Step 2: Build the Sauce & Cook the Tortellini

With the sausage browned, stir in the garlic and let it cook for just a minute until it’s fragrant—no need to overdo it. Next, pour in the chicken broth, add the diced tomatoes (with all their juices), and stir in the rich heavy cream. Finally, toss in your cheese tortellini straight from the fridge. Let it all simmer, uncovered, for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir here and there, watching as the sauce thickens and the tortellini turns tender; their starch helps to thicken everything up and binds those flavors together.

Step 3: Stir in the Spinach and Finish

Scatter the baby spinach over the bubbling sauce and give it a quick stir so it wilts right into the dish. This little burst of green brings not only a fresh taste, but also beautiful color, making your pan look as good as it smells. Taste the sauce, add salt and pepper as needed, and give it a gentle stir. If you’re a cheese lover, now’s your chance to shower on some freshly grated parmesan before serving.

How to Serve One Pan Tortellini with Sausage

Garnishes

For that irresistible finishing touch, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over each bowl and break out a bit of cracked black pepper. A few basil or parsley leaves also make the dish feel bright and fresh. If you’re feeling fancy, a little drizzle of good olive oil or a dusting of chili flakes brings yet another level of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

While One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is a meal in itself, it’s even more inviting with some crusty bread for mopping up the creamy sauce. Add a simple green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette, or serve with some roasted or steamed veggies on the side for extra crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish family-style straight from the skillet for a rustic, comforting touch—let everyone help themselves! Or, for a dinner party feel, serve individual portions in shallow pasta bowls with extra parmesan on the table. For meal-prep magic, divide into containers for ready-to-go lunches that will make coworkers seriously jealous.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of One Pan Tortellini with Sausage keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container—just know that the tortellini will continue to absorb the sauce, making them even richer and more flavorful over time.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze leftovers, the texture of the creamy sauce and pasta can change after thawing. If you do freeze, let the dish cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, freeze before adding the spinach, and fold it in fresh when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. If using the microwave, reheat in one-minute bursts, stirring between intervals, until warmed through. Add extra parmesan and fresh herbs just before serving to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, frozen tortellini will work, but they may need a few extra minutes to cook through. Just add a bit more broth if the sauce gets too thick while simmering.

What can I substitute for Italian sausage?

You can swap in ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even meatless sausage crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version. Just be sure to season your protein well to keep things flavorful.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe is mild, but you can make your One Pan Tortellini with Sausage spicy by using hot Italian sausages or sprinkling in some red pepper flakes during cooking.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini make fantastic additions. Just sauté them with the sausage before adding the liquids so they soften up nicely.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

Stick to heavy cream, as it can withstand the acidity of tomatoes without breaking. Lower fat dairy (like milk or half-and-half) is more likely to curdle, so it’s best to avoid substituting in this dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with easy, dinnertime magic, One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is the recipe you need in your rotation. It’s cozy, incredibly flavorful, and couldn’t be simpler to whip up—all while leaving only one pan to clean. Give it a try tonight, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to comfort meal!

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