One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, cozy meal that comes together in a flash and makes cleanup a breeze, you’re about to fall for this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner. Every bite is bursting with plump tortellini, savory sausage, touches of lemon, and a silky finish of Parmesan—all simmered together for rich flavor and minimal fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the secret joys of this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner is how each simple ingredient packs a punch—building layers of rich flavor, satisfying texture, and vibrant color, all in under half an hour. Here’s what makes every spoonful sing:

• Fresh cheese tortellini (20 oz): These little pasta pillows add delicious richness and get perfectly tender after simmering in the skillet—plus, they cook fast!
• Ground mild Italian sausage (1 lb): Brings savory depth, subtle spices, and heartiness; feel free to use hot sausage for more heat or turkey sausage for a lighter touch.
• Olive oil (2 TBSP): Starts the saute and infuses extra layers of flavor right at the beginning.
• Red onion (1/2, diced): Adds gentle sweetness and gorgeous color, complementing the sausage beautifully.
• Garlic (2 large cloves, minced): For that unmistakable fragrance that makes everyone wander into the kitchen.
• Baby spinach (4 cups, ribboned or torn): Wilts down for a pop of green and added nutrition without overpowering the dish.
• Chicken broth (1 cup, more if needed): The secret to deliciously cooking the tortellini right in the pan—no need for boiling separate water!
• Sea salt & cracked black pepper: Season to taste, letting all the other flavors shine through.
• Freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/4 cup): Gives a salty, umami lift and a creamy finish—don’t skip it!
• Lemon (1, zested and juiced): Zest brightens the whole skillet; juice adds tang and balances out the richness.

Variations

This is the best kind of recipe—a versatile kitchen blank slate! Your One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner can shine with endless swaps based on what you have or crave. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Switch up the sausage: Try spicy Italian sausage for a little heat, chicken sausage for a lighter bite, or even plant-based sausage to go meatless.
• Use different greens: Stir in kale, arugula, or Swiss chard in place of spinach—they hold up well and bring their unique personalities.
• Add veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes are all fantastic thrown in for added color and flavor.
• Change the cheese: Try swapping the Pecorino Romano for feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.

How to Make One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onion and let it sauté for about two minutes—it should get beautifully soft and aromatic, building a sweet, savory base for your skillet dinner.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Garlic

Add the minced garlic and crumbled Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, stirring often and breaking the sausage into small crumbles, for about five minutes. Aim for mostly browned sausage with just a hint of pinkness left—this keeps it juicy and ensures every bite is loaded with flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Tortellini

Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Add the fresh cheese tortellini, using a spatula to nestle them down into the sausage and broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan with a lid—this lets the tortellini steam and become perfectly tender.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Add Cheese & Zest

Once the tortellini are cooked to your liking (usually about four minutes, but follow your package for best results), remove the lid and add the torn spinach, grated cheese, and lemon zest. Stir gently and let everything cook for a minute or two—just long enough for the spinach to wilt into the sauce.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and squeeze in the lemon juice. Sprinkle in cracked black pepper and, if desired, more salty cheese. Serve immediately and savor every silky, flavor-packed forkful of your One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner!

How to Serve One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner

Garnishes

A shower of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano is always welcome on top, but you can also try ribbons of fresh basil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of fruity olive oil for an extra burst of flavor and eye-catching appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to be the star, but it pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon, a crusty slice of garlic bread for saucing, or roasted veggies on the side for even more color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style vibe, serve it in colorful bowls with extra cheese and lemon wedges, or arrange it on a big platter scattered with microgreens for a dinner party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld together deliciously overnight, making for a truly tempting next-day lunch.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze a portion, let the skillet cool completely first. Pack into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Bear in mind the pasta may soften a bit once thawed, but the sauce remains flavorful and comforting.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or water if it looks dry. The microwave also works—cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so the tortellini warm evenly without losing their tenderness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a recipe that blends bold flavors, ease, and togetherness—and this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner hits the sweet spot. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your favorite go-to for cozy family nights or impromptu gatherings. I can’t wait for your kitchen to fill with happy faces and satisfied forks!

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