You know those nights when you want something delicious without a mountain of dishes? Enter my favorite quick and comforting meal: the One Pan Tortellini with Sausage. It’s everything you crave in a hearty dinner—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, all coming together in one skillet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Effortless: This dish is ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Maximum Flavor with Minimal Cleaning: Everything cooks in one pan, giving you all the flavor without the pile of dishes.
- Creamy and Comforting: The combination of heavy cream and sausage makes this dish irresistibly creamy and richly flavored.
- Family-Friendly: With its comforting flavors and textures, it’s a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the One Pan Tortellini with Sausage lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the dish’s flavor profile. From the rich cream to the tangy tomatoes, every item is essential to create a perfect harmony on your plate.
- Italian Sausages: These add a bold, meaty flavor that permeates the entire dish.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves bring a fragrant depth that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful base that ties the sauce together.
- Diced Tomatoes: These add a slight acidity that cuts through the cream, balancing the flavors.
- Heavy/Whipping Cream: The secret to a lusciously creamy sauce that coats each bite of tortellini.
- Cheese Tortellini: These little pockets of cheesy goodness make the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: A pop of color and nutrition that wilts perfectly into the sauce.
- Salt & Pepper: To enhance every other flavor in the pan.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but it adds a nutty flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
Variations
What’s so wonderful about this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is its adaptability. You can easily tweak the recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some suggestions to help you make this dish truly your own!
- Spicy Kick: Swap out the mild Italian sausages for spicy Italian versions for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and add more spinach or mushrooms for a veggie-friendly meal.
- Low-Carb Swap: Use zucchini noddles instead of tortellini for a low-carb version.
How to Make One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Take the sausage meat out of the casings and crumble it into a skillet. Cook it over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned. If there’s a lot of excess fat, drain most of it, but leave some in for flavor.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Add the garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cream, and tortellini into the same pan. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the tortellini to cook and the sauce to thicken as it combines.
Step 3: Add the Spinach
Stir in the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. This should only take a minute or so. Give it a taste, adjust with salt and pepper, and serve immediately. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the top.
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
- Sausage Selection: Opt for high-quality sausages, as they’re the heart of the dish’s flavor.
- Perfect Creaminess: Ensure your cream is at room temperature to prevent curdling.
- No Peeking: Keep the pan uncovered to let the sauce reduce and intensify in flavor.
- Spinach Timing: Add spinach just before serving to keep its vibrant green color.
How to Serve One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Garnishes
Finish off your dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a dash of cracked black pepper to add an irresistible depth of flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also be sprinkled for those who love heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread. The acidity from the salad or the crispness of the bread balances the richness of the tortellini.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful presentation, serve the tortellini in large, shallow bowls, ensuring each portion reveals the vibrant colors of the spinach and tomatoes. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves atop each serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, use a microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
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Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use dried tortellini, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly add extra liquid so the pasta cooks properly.
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What can I substitute for heavy cream?
While heavy cream offers the best texture, you can use half-and-half in a pinch. However, avoid regular milk, which may curdle.
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Is there a non-dairy option?
You can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, keeping in mind it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
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How can I add more vegetables?
Consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini when cooking the sausage for a heartier, veggie-packed meal.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is a true lifesaver for anyone craving comfort food without the fuss. With its enticing flavors and simple preparation, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. Don’t wait any longer—grab your ingredients and enjoy this delightful meal tonight!
Print
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is a quick and hearty Italian-inspired meal that combines flavorful sausage, creamy sauce, and tender tortellini all cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a comforting combination of spices, vegetables, and cheese in just under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Poultry
- 11 ounces Italian sausages crumbled, see note
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
Liquids
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Take the sausage meat out of the casings and crumble it into a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary, then leave the sausage in the pan.
- Add aromatics and liquids: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet, making sure they are submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Finish with spinach and season: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the dish, garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- I used 3 sausages from a 5-pack of Johnsonville mild Italian sausages. About 11 oz will suffice; you can also add more sausage meat if preferred.
- For a spicy kick, substitute hot Italian sausages.
- Heavy cream is recommended to prevent curdling in the acidity of tomatoes; avoid dairy substitutes like half-and-half.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
- Calories: 594 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1063 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 117 mg
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