Get ready to fall in love with your skillet—this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is pure comfort food magic in under 30 minutes. Creamy, cheesy tortellini, juicy Italian sausage, and a swirl of fresh spinach all cook together, making dinner incredibly easy (and delightfully delicious!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Fast and Easy: With just one skillet and less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table!
- Cozy and Creamy: The luscious sauce hugs every piece of sausage and pasta—perfect for those pasta cravings or chilly nights!
- Minimal Cleanup Required: True to its name, One Pan Tortellini with Sausage means only one pot to wash (you’ll thank yourself later).
- Family Friendly & Adaptable: This dish is loved by kids and adults alike, and it’s so simple to tweak with your favorite sausage, greens, or cheese!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage recipe is how each simple ingredient brings its own personality. Nothing is complicated—just classic flavors, each adding something special to the dish.
- Italian sausages (about 11 ounces): Mild or spicy, your pick! Sausage brings richness and savory depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds that essential aromatic punch—we all know dinner isn’t complete without a little garlic love.
- Chicken broth (1/4 cup): Helps deglaze the pan and creates a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
- Diced tomatoes with juices (14 oz can): These provide acidity, brightness, and that gorgeous rustic color.
- Heavy/whipping cream (1/2 cup): Absolutely key for that luxurious, velvety sauce (don’t sub with milk or half-and-half!).
- Cheese tortellini (9 oz, refrigerated): Plump little pasta pockets that cook right in the sauce—soaks up all the flavor and no separate pot needed!
- Fresh baby spinach (2 cups loosely packed): Wilts beautifully and adds precious greens—makes the meal feel brighter and balanced.
- Salt & pepper: Add to taste at the very end to perfect your seasoning.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkle a little on top for a savory finish and extra melty goodness.
Variations
The beauty of One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is just how effortlessly you can swap things in or out for your taste, what’s in your pantry, or to cater to your crew. Let’s make it truly your own!
- Swap the Greens: You’re not limited to spinach; try kale, arugula, or even chopped broccoli for a twist.
- Change Up the Sausage: Go spicy with hot Italian sausage, keep it mild, or even try chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner meal.
- Add Veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for an extra veggie boost that cooks right in the pan.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and boost the flavor with sun-dried tomatoes and more greens for a hearty, meatless version.
How to Make One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Remove the sausage meat from its casings and crumble it straight into a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is beautifully browned. If there’s a lot of fat in the pan, drain off most of it—leave just a little for flavor!
Step 2: Build the Sauce and Cook the Tortellini
Add the minced garlic right into the skillet with the sausage, letting it get fragrant for 30 seconds or so. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), heavy cream, and toss in the tortellini. Give it a stir, then let everything simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes. The tortellini will cook and the sauce will thicken as the pasta releases its starch—watch it turn creamy!
Step 3: Wilt in the Spinach
Right at the end, add the spinach and gently stir until it wilts into the creamy, tomato-rich sauce. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Now your One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is ready to be served, finished with a glorious flurry of parmesan cheese if you like.
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
- Choose the Right Sausage: Use a flavorful Italian sausage (mild or hot) for maximum flavor, or try mixing and matching both for a unique kick!
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Let the tortellini simmer just until tender—overcooking can make them too soft, so taste test a piece before turning off the heat.
- Cream Consistency Matters: Heavy cream really is the secret to a silky sauce; if you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a minute or two longer uncovered.
- All About the Cheese: Grate parmesan fresh over the finished dish—you’ll taste a huge difference versus the pre-grated kind!
How to Serve One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Garnishes
Top your bowls with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese—let it melt into the sauce for that irresistible finish. Finish with cracked black pepper and, if you like, a handful of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and herby freshness.
Side Dishes
This comforting skillet dinner is truly a one-pot wonder, but it’s also sensational with crusty bread for mopping up sauce. For something lighter, add a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or some simply roasted veggies on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic family feast, or spoon into individual shallow bowls for a cozy bistro feel. For a special gathering, serve in a large pasta platter and garnish with extra ribbons of parmesan and bright green herbs right before bringing to the table—it makes a beautiful centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pan Tortellini with Sausage keeps beautifully! Transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow and meld, making leftovers extra comforting.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that cream sauces and cooked tortellini may change texture after thawing. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe, airtight container and enjoy within 1 month for best quality. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently over medium-low heat in a saucepan or skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid boiling, as the cream sauce can separate if overheated. The microwave works too—just use 50% power in short bursts and stir often for the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes! Just add a minute or two to the cooking time and make sure your sauce is gently simmering so the frozen tortellini cook through evenly. Your one pan tortellini with sausage will still be comforting and delicious.
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What kind of sausage works best in this recipe?
Mild or hot Italian pork sausages are my go-to, but chicken or turkey sausages work if you want something lighter. The key is choosing a sausage you love, as it’s the main flavor in One Pan Tortellini with Sausage!
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Can I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe relies on heavy cream for its signature lusciousness. You could try using a dairy-free cream substitute (such as cashew cream), but the final texture and taste will be a bit different. Don’t use milk or watery alternatives, since the sauce may separate or curdle.
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Will this recipe work as a make-ahead meal?
Absolutely! Prepare One Pan Tortellini with Sausage ahead, cool, and store in the fridge. For best texture, reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream and serve within 2–3 days. It’s a lifesaver for busy family dinners or lunches!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that wins over everyone, you can’t go wrong with this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage. It’s hearty, irresistible, and so simple—you’ll want to put it on repeat. I can’t wait for you to make this cozy classic in your own kitchen!
Print
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A delicious and easy one-pan tortellini dish with crumbled Italian sausages, creamy tomato sauce, and spinach. This comforting meal comes together quickly for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Italian Sausages:
11 ounces crumbled
Garlic:
3 cloves minced
Chicken Broth:
1/4 cup
Diced Tomatoes:
1 can (14 ounces) with juices
Heavy/Whipping Cream:
1/2 cup
Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini:
1 package (9 ounces)
Fresh Baby Spinach:
2 cups loosely packed
Salt & Pepper:
To taste
Parmesan Cheese:
Freshly grated, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Crumble sausage in a skillet and brown over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cream, and tortellini. Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes.
- Thicken Sauce: Cook until tortellini is done and sauce thickens.
- Finish Dish: Add spinach to wilt, season with salt & pepper, and serve with parmesan.
Notes
- I used 3 sausages from a 5-pack of Johnsonville mild Italian sausages.
- Around 11 oz of sausage is recommended.
- Avoid substituting heavy cream to prevent curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 594 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1063mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 117mg
