If there’s one meal I’d love to hand over through the screen on any cozy weeknight, it’s this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe. Imagine pillowy cheese tortellini, juicy sausage browned just right, and the brightness of tomatoes, all nestled together in a creamy, savory sauce—ready in half an hour, and with minimal dishes! This recipe is my personal flavor-packed solution for those times you crave comfort but need dinner on the table fast. The best part? It all happens in one skillet, making cleanup just as easy as the cooking. Trust me, once you try it, this one goes straight onto the regular rotation.

One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of straightforward ingredients—each one is carefully chosen to meld perfectly in flavor, color, and texture for this hearty One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe. Here’s what makes each element essential:

Olive oil: Provides essential richness and helps to brown the sausage beautifully for maximum flavor.
Italian sausage (casings removed): The star of the show—choose mild or spicy for your preferred kick, and let its savory, herby flavors shine.
Garlic (minced): Adds irresistible aroma and depth, bringing a classic Italian touch to every bite.
Refrigerated cheese tortellini: These plump, cheese-filled pockets cook up in minutes and soak in all the saucy goodness.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): Bring a bright tang and lovely acidity, ensuring the sauce doesn’t feel heavy.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses savory flavor and provides the perfect amount of liquid to cook the tortellini evenly.
Dried Italian seasoning: A simple mix that packs a punch, tying all the flavors together in true Italian-inspired fashion.
Salt and black pepper: The finishing touch for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors—taste as you go!
Fresh spinach (optional): Adds a pop of green and a welcome freshness to the finished dish; sneak in those veggies!
Heavy cream: Creates a velvety, rich sauce that feels utterly indulgent but is so easy to achieve.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For that salty, nutty finish that makes every forkful worthwhile.
Chopped parsley for garnish: Brings color and a hint of brightness to the table—don’t skip this if you can help it!

How to Make One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings off, crumbled) and let it sizzle. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring even browning—this is where you’ll get loads of deep, savory flavor. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and deliciously golden in spots.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Once the sausage is ready, stir in the minced garlic. This only takes about 30 seconds—just enough for its incredible aroma to bloom without burning. The garlic will infuse the sausage with even more flavor, setting the stage for the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Add Tortellini and Sauce Ingredients

Pour in the cheese tortellini, canned diced tomatoes (with all the juices), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together so the tortellini nestles in among the sausage and tomatoes. Bring the mixture up to a simmer, then lower the heat a notch and cover the pan. This is where the tortellini soak up all that goodness—they’ll be tender and flavorful in about 7 to 9 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking.

Step 4: Wilt Spinach and Finish the Sauce

Uncover your skillet and toss in the fresh spinach, if using. It’ll wilt down in a flash—about 1 minute is all you need. Then, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Give it a good stir so the sauce turns creamy, silky, and totally irresistible. Everything should be heated through and the sauce lightly thickened.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon your steaming One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe onto plates or into bowls, and top with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and (if you wish) even more Parmesan. Serve hot for maximum comfort and flavor—get ready for a dinner that’ll have everyone going back for seconds.

How to Serve One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the magic of a good garnish! A flurry of chopped parsley brings color and a touch of freshness, while extra grated Parmesan makes the dish irresistibly cheesy. If you’re feeling adventurous, a quick twist of freshly ground black pepper or a small drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top really elevates each serving of the One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe.

Side Dishes

This dish is plenty hearty on its own, but I love adding a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to lighten things up. Warm, crusty bread (perhaps a rustic Italian loaf or even garlic bread) is also fantastic for mopping up every bit of that creamy sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies on the side can round out the meal beautifully without much extra effort.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style comfort, bring the whole skillet right to the table and serve straight from the pan—it’s casual, inviting, and makes dinnertime feel cozy. If you’re entertaining, portion the One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe into shallow bowls with swirls of sauce artfully visible, and finish with a flourish of greens and cheese. For a fun twist, scoop leftovers into ramekins, top with a little extra cheese, and broil until bubbly for a mini tortellini bake!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any extras completely before transferring them to an airtight container. The One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe keeps well for about 3 days in the fridge. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making leftovers that are just as satisfying the next day—if not more!

Freezing

If you want to stash away some comfort for later, freezing is possible. Cool the pan down and then freeze individual portions or the whole batch in freezer-safe containers. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as this helps the sauce stay smooth and creamy.

Reheating

Gently reheat your leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems a bit thick—the tortellini will have absorbed some of the liquid in the fridge. Stir well, heat through, and enjoy that just-made flavor all over again!

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works quite well in the One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and consider tossing in a bit more broth if needed to ensure they cook evenly and stay moist.

What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking to lighten things up, half-and-half or whole milk can stand in for heavy cream. The sauce may be a little less rich, but you’ll still get a creamy consistency. For dairy-free options, unsweetened coconut cream or a cashew cream work surprisingly well!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Certainly! Swap the sausage for vegetarian Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a plant-based twist, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can keep everything else the same for an equally guilt-free and hearty version of this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe.

Is this recipe spicy?

This depends entirely on the sausage you choose! Mild Italian sausage keeps things savory but not hot, while a spicy variety will bring some heat. You’re completely in control—add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little extra punch.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Beyond the optional spinach, you can toss in chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms along with the tortellini for extra color and nutrients. Just keep in mind that very watery veggies may need a little less broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe makes everyday cooking feel special, even when time and energy are in short supply. I can’t help but smile each time I pull it together for friends or family—there’s just something about a bubbling skillet of tortellini in a rich, creamy sauce that feels like a warm hug. I know you’ll love it as much as I do, so tie on your apron and give this recipe a spin—it’s sure to become your new go-to comfort meal!

One Pan Tortellini with Sausage Recipe

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4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (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 dried Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sausage, cook until browned.
Add Aromatics: Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
Cook Tortellini: Add tortellini, diced tomatoes, broth, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until tortellini are tender.
Finish the Dish: Mix in spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Cook until creamy and heated through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve hot.