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
Units
Scale
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
