This One Pan Tortellini with Sausage recipe is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. In just 25 minutes, you can create a deliciously comforting meal that combines savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant spinach—all in one pan! Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 25 minutes from start to finish, this meal is perfect for weeknights.
- One Pan Wonder: Enjoy the ease of cooking everything in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, and creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering dish.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a get-together with friends.
- Nutritious Addition: Loaded with fresh spinach, this dish adds a healthy green element to your plate.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good quality skillet allows for even cooking and browning of the sausage.
- Wooden spoon: This tool is perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your skillet’s surface.
Ingredients
This 25-minute tortellini with sausage recipe is a quick, easy, flavorful, and comforting dinner that’s made all in one pan! Fewer dishes means more time to relax.
For the Main Dish
- 11 ounces Italian sausages (crumbled, see note)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 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
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)
How to Make One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Take the sausage meat out of the casings and crumble it into a skillet.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- If there’s a lot of excess fat, drain most of it but leave some in the pan.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), heavy cream, and tortellini.
- Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally until the tortellini is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Finish with Spinach
- Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the mixture.
- Season with salt & pepper as needed before serving.
- For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Now you have a delightful One Pan Tortellini with Sausage that’s ready to serve! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Serving One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is simple and offers a variety of delicious options. Whether you want to keep it casual or elevate the meal, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil – Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor.
- Parsley – Add chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Accompanied by Bread
- Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.
- Crusty Italian Bread – A loaf of crusty bread pairs well to soak up the delicious sauce.
Topped with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese – Grate fresh parmesan over the dish just before serving for added richness.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melt mozzarella on top during cooking for a cheesy twist.
Served with Salad
- Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and balances the richness of the dish.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze complement the flavors nicely.
How to Perfect One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
To achieve the best results with your One Pan Tortellini with Sausage, consider these helpful tips:
- Use high-quality sausage – Opt for Italian sausage made from pork or turkey for better flavor.
- Don’t overcook tortellini – Cook just until tender; this keeps them from becoming mushy.
- Add more vegetables – Incorporate bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust creaminess – Modify the amount of cream based on your preference for a richer or lighter dish.
- Season well – Taste as you go; seasoning adjustments can enhance overall flavor significantly.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Pairing side dishes with One Pan Tortellini with Sausage can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus – Simple yet elegant, roasted asparagus brings a wonderful crunch.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad helps refresh the palate between bites of rich tortellini.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil provides a delightful starter.
- Antipasto Platter – A mix of olives, cheeses, and cured meats complements the main dish beautifully.
- Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf is an excellent side that absorbs any extra sauce left on your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be simple, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common errors to watch out for when making One Pan Tortellini with Sausage.
- Skipping the crumbling step: Failing to crumble the sausage properly can lead to uneven cooking. Always break it apart in the pan for even browning.
- Overcooking the tortellini: Cooking tortellini too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it and cook just until al dente for the best texture.
- Ignoring seasoning: Not seasoning well can lead to bland flavors. Taste your dish as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality tomatoes or sausage can impact flavor. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for a delicious result.
- Not stirring regularly: Neglecting to stir can cause sticking or uneven cooking. Stir occasionally to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Enjoy within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about One Pan Tortellini with Sausage that might help you as you prepare this dish.
Can I use frozen tortellini instead?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes until they are tender and heated through.
How do I make this dish spicy?
You can add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage to give your One Pan Tortellini with Sausage a kick!
What should I serve with One Pan Tortellini with Sausage?
Garlic bread or a simple green salad pairs beautifully with this comforting dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Replace the sausage with your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. Its creamy texture combined with savory sausage makes it a hearty meal perfect for any night of the week. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition!
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is your go-to recipe for a quick, delicious weeknight meal. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this comforting dish that features savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach—all cooked in one skillet. The blend of garlic and creamy sauce creates a rich flavor profile that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish requires minimal cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 11 ounces Italian sausage (crumbled)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juices, heavy cream, and tortellini. Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until tortellini is cooked through.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper before serving; top with parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
