why make this recipe
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is a quick and tasty meal perfect for a cozy family dinner. It combines flavorful Italian sausages, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini all in one pan. This dish is not only easy to make, but it also cuts down on cleanup time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that everyone will love.
how to make One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Ingredients:
- 11 ounces Italian Sausages (Feel free to swap for chicken sausage or chorizo!)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth works for vegetarian option)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14 ounces; no-salt-added for a healthier dish)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Do not substitute with milk)
- 1 package Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini (9 ounces; cooks directly in the sauce)
- 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach (loosely packed; kale can be a substitute)
- Salt & Pepper (Adjust to taste)
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional; Pecorino or nutritional yeast as alternative)
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat the pan over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until browned.
- Remove the sausages from the pan and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well.
- Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
- Add the baby spinach and return the sausage to the pan. Stir until the spinach wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
how to serve One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Serve this dish family-style right from the pan for a cozy dinner. Pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. This meal is filling on its own, but the sides can make it extra special.
how to store One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
tips to make One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
- If you want a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor before serving.
variation
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping out the sausage for mushrooms or a meat substitute. Also, feel free to experiment with different types of tortellini, such as spinach or mushroom-flavored ones.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini, but you may need to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. -
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but for the best flavor and creaminess, heavy cream is recommended. -
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Most kids love cheesy pasta, and the sausage adds a mild flavor that many children enjoy.
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and tasty meal combining Italian sausages, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 11 ounces Italian Sausages
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14 ounces; no-salt-added)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 package Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini (9 ounces)
- 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach (loosely packed)
- Salt & Pepper (Adjust to taste)
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the pan over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until browned.
- Remove the sausages from the pan and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well.
- Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
- Add the baby spinach and return the sausage to the pan. Stir until the spinach wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Notes
For added heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance flavor before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian