Craving something comforting yet quick to prepare? This One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner is your go-to meal for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence but flavor is non-negotiable. With a delightful combination of cheesy tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach, this dish promises to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooked in one skillet, you’ll save time on dishes.
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of Italian sausage, tortellini, and fresh spinach creates a dish bursting with taste.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt this meal to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is key with this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner, featuring ingredients you likely already have. Each component plays a crucial role, creating a rich tapestry of flavors and textures in every bite.
- Fresh Cheese Tortellini: Provides a creamy, cheesy burst that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Ground Mild Italian Sausage: Adds depth and a hint of spice, making the dish hearty and filling.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing, adding richness and flavor to the base.
- Red Onion: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch, complementing the sausage.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with robust flavor, essential for a savory profile.
- Baby Spinach: Offers a healthy, fresh element, balancing the richness of the tortellini and sausage.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the savory notes and helps cook the tortellini perfectly.
- Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing all flavors together.
- Freshly Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano: Adds a matured, tangy note to finish the dish.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Provides a vibrant splash of citrus, cutting through the richness.
Variations
Versatility is one of the highlights of making this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner. Whether you’re looking to modify it for dietary needs or just wanting to mix things up, these variations have you covered.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for mushrooms or zucchini to keep it hearty but plant-based.
- Spicier Option: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Cheese Choices: Try swapping Pecorino Romano for aged Gouda for a unique twist.
How to Make One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté for about two minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This will create a flavor-packed base for your dish.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Add the minced garlic and ground Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook for about five minutes, breaking the sausage into crumbles with a spatula until it’s mostly browned but still juicy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Nestle the tortellini within the sausage and broth. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the tortellini steam, capturing all those savory flavors.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
After the tortellini is tender, usually in about four minutes, uncover and stir in the baby spinach, grated cheese, and lemon zest. Let everything meld together, then finish with a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy immediately, perhaps with a little extra cheese on top!
Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner
- Sauté Timing: Let the onions soften first before adding garlic to prevent burning.
- Simmer Wisely: Keep a close watch on the broth level to ensure tortellini cooks without drying out.
- Spinach Know-How: Add spinach at the end to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Cheese Finish: Add cheese just before serving for the best texture and flavor enhancement.
How to Serve One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner
Garnishes
This dish shines with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A hint of red pepper flakes or more cheese brings additional layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair the One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner with a crisp green salad or garlicky bread for a delightful, complete meal that satisfies all cravings.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in beautiful shallow bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients. Top with lemon slices for a pop of color, or serve family-style in the skillet for an inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish reheats beautifully, making lunch the next day a breeze.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze this meal in individual portions. It makes for a tasty meal prep option. Just allow it to cool completely before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain the creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works great. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through properly.
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What can I substitute for the sausage?
Try using ground turkey or chopped mushrooms for a lighter taste or vegetarian option.
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Is there a good vegan alternative for cheese tortellini?
Yes, look for plant-based tortellini at your local grocery store, often found in the refrigerated or frozen section.
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How do I prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy?
Ensure not to overcook by keeping a close eye on the simmering steps and testing for tenderness as you go.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner is not just a meal; it’s an experience of flavors and convenience wrapped into one dish. I invite you to try it for yourself and discover how effortlessly delicious dinnertime can be. Bon appétit!
Print
One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Skillet Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This one-pan tortellini and sausage skillet is a quick and flavorful dinner that combines juicy Italian sausage, soft cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and bright lemon zest for a comforting yet vibrant meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal cleanup and delivers bold flavors in just about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz fresh cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups baby spinach, ribboned or torn
- 1 cup chicken broth, more if needed
- Pinch of sea salt
- Cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté for about two minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the sausage and garlic: Add the ground sausage to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until mostly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer and cook tortellini: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the tortellini, nesting them into the sausage mixture. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let cook for 4 minutes or as per package instructions, until tortellini are tender.
- Add spinach and cheese: Remove the lid, stir in the spinach, and sprinkle with grated cheese and lemon zest. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, season with cracked black pepper, and add extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute different greens like kale or arugula for the spinach.
- If you prefer a creamier dish, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Ensure the tortellini is fresh or thawed for optimal texture.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Adjust the broth quantity if you prefer a saucier or drier pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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