Description
This One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is a hearty and comforting meal that combines Italian sausage, creamy tomato sauce, and tender cheese tortellini all cooked together in a single skillet for easy preparation and cleanup. Fresh spinach adds a nutritious touch and freshly grated Parmesan cheese elevates the flavors, making it a perfect quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Aromatics
- 11 ounces Italian sausages (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
Pasta and Greens
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Remove sausage meat from casings and crumble it into a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave enough to flavor the dish.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Stir in minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juices, heavy cream, and refrigerated cheese tortellini. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer to Cook Tortellini: Cook the mixture uncovered over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the tortellini is tender and the sauce has reduced to your desired thickness. The tortellini will release starch, helping to thicken the sauce naturally.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in fresh baby spinach and cook just until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to preference.
- Serve with Parmesan: Spoon the tortellini and sausage mixture onto plates and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- The recipe uses 3 Johnsonville mild Italian sausages totaling about 11 ounces, but you can adjust the amount or use spicy Italian sausages for added heat.
- Heavy cream is critical to prevent curdling when combined with acidic tomatoes; avoid substituting with milk or half-and-half.
- Draining excess sausage fat helps balance richness but leaving some fat enhances flavor.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended for extra savory depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
