This One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe delivers sheer comfort and bold flavor with almost no fuss. Plump cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a blanket of creamy tomato sauce mingle together in a single skillet for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Bursts of melty cheese, pops of spinach, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs make every bite satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Discover the magic of this dish—it might just become your favorite quick dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This lineup of ingredients proves that you don’t need a mile-long shopping list to create a truly memorable meal. Each element brings its own punch of flavor, color, or heartiness: together, they transform into a warm, vibrant skillet dinner that tastes like you cooked all day!
- Olive oil: Adds rich flavor, helps brown the sausage, and starts everything off on the right note.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The star of the show—choose your heat level to suit your crowd.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves will fill the kitchen with incredible aroma and sweet, savory undertones.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Packed with creamy cheese, these cook fast and bring comforting texture.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): Contribute bright acidity and a flavorful, tomato-rich base for the sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Builds the savory sauce and keeps everything moist without overpowering saltiness.
- Italian seasoning: This dried herb blend gives rustic Italian flavor in one quick sprinkle.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who crave a gentle heat, this spice is a must-add.
- Salt and black pepper: Because every great dish needs just the right seasoning—taste and adjust!
- Fresh spinach (optional): Lends a pop of green and a nutritious twist, but it won’t overpower the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Brings the luscious, silky smoothness that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that classic gooey pull in every scoop.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth to complement the melty mozzarella.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: A sprinkle at the end keeps everything vibrant and fresh.
How to Make One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed), breaking it up with your spoon as it sizzles. Let it cook until golden, crispy on the edges, and fully cooked through—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step sets a deeply savory foundation for your One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Pinch of Flavor
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the browned sausage. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until everything becomes incredibly fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn—it should smell nutty and sweet, hinting at the Italian warmth ahead.
Step 3: Simmer the Tortellini
Add your cheese tortellini, the entire can of diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, a shake of red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together, making sure the tortellini are nestled deep in the saucy liquid. Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tortellini should come out perfectly plump and tender, soaking up all those marvelous flavors.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Enrich the Sauce
If you’re adding spinach, stir it in now so it has time to wilt and turn vibrantly green—this takes just a minute or two. Pour in the heavy cream, add the mozzarella and Parmesan, and stir until the cheeses melt nicely, creating a creamy, crave-worthy sauce that hugs all the tortellini and sausage.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Once your One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe is finished, serve it sizzling hot right from the pan. Shower with fresh basil or parsley, and don’t be shy with extra Parmesan for good measure. Gather everyone around and dig in for a cozy, effortless meal that brings everyone together!
How to Serve One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with this dish. Freshly chopped basil or parsley not only adds pop of color but also zings of garden-fresh flavor. Try a dusting of extra Parmesan on top or, for a fancier touch, a drizzle of quality olive oil. The right garnish makes your One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe look and taste like a restaurant-worthy feast.
Side Dishes
This skillet dinner is hearty enough to stand alone but plays beautifully with a crisp green salad or a hunk of crusty bread (perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce). If you want to lean into Italian comfort, serve alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a full, family-style spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring extra flair to the table by serving individual portions in small cast iron skillets or shallow bowls. Top with a basil sprig or Parmesan shard for easy elegance. For casual gatherings, place the big skillet in the center and let everyone serve themselves, family-style—there’s nothing cozier than digging into One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only deepen as it sits—just keep in mind that the tortellini will continue to soak up the sauce, making it even more flavorful but a bit thicker.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftovers for easy future meals! Let the dish cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. To prevent the tortellini from becoming too soft, freeze before adding the cream and cheese, then add them when you reheat for a fresher texture.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to loosen up the sauce. Give everything a good stir and top with a fresh sprinkle of cheese and herbs before serving to brighten things right back up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes! Just increase the simmering time by a couple of minutes and make sure the tortellini are cooked through before adding the cream and cheese.
What’s the best way to make it vegetarian?
Swap out the Italian sausage for a plant-based alternative or add sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for heartiness. It’s easy to keep all the bold flavor in this vegetarian version of the One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely—try turkey, chicken, or even a smoked sausage for a twist. Adjust the seasonings to match your sausage of choice and enjoy a new flavor profile each time.
Is it possible to make it dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free tortellini, plant-based cream, and dairy-free cheeses. While the classic richness will change, the dish will still be comforting and saucy!
How do I make it spicier?
Pile on the red pepper flakes or choose a spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick. You can also add a pinch of cayenne if you like things even hotter.
Final Thoughts
Take dinner from ordinary to unforgettable with this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe—it’s creamy, cozy, no-stress, and totally craveable. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, give this quick skillet supper a try. You might find it becomes your constant go-to when you need comfort food in a hurry!
Print
One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy one-pan recipe for a flavorful Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner. This creamy and comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight meal and loaded with Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook sausage: Add sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and sauté.
- Add ingredients: Stir in tortellini, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 7–9 minutes.
- Finish: Uncover, stir in spinach, add cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Frozen tortellini can be used—just increase the cooking time slightly.
- Swap spinach for kale or arugula, or add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
