Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe is a comforting and easy one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce with spinach and Parmesan cheese, this dish combines rich flavors with simple preparation. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying Italian-American main course that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Pasta and Canned Goods
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (drained)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and liquids: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Combine well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Add spinach and cheese: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Season and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Substitute kale or arugula for spinach for a different leafy green option.
- Adding sliced mushrooms can provide extra heartiness and flavor.
