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This 25-minute tortellini with sausage recipe is a quick, easy, flavorful, and comforting dinner that’s made all in one pan! Fewer dishes means more time to relax.
You may also enjoy this Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup, this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta, or my Easy Zuppa Toscana.
Why you’ll love it
I really love the simplicity of this sausage tortellini recipe. Cheese tortellini is so versatile, and you can dress it up in so many ways. The spinach-sausage-tomato cream sauce combo is just so tasty. Italian sausage is one of my all-time favorite ingredients to cook with.
Despite being simple to make with minimal ingredients, one lovely reader said that this Italian sausage pasta recipe is “nothing short of divine.” There’s also quite a bit of spinach in here, so it’s a great way to sneak those greens into dinner! That’s a win for families on busy weeknights.
What you’ll need
- Italian sausage – grab a package of mild Italian sausages, or use bulk sausage meat
- Garlic – to infuse lots of savory goodness
- Chicken broth – for the base of the sauce
- Tomatoes – we’re using a can of diced tomatoes for convenience
- Heavy cream – I went fairly light on the cream in this recipe, so it’s definitely not too rich at all! It adds a touch of luxuriousness.
- Tortellini – use cheese tortellini from the refrigerated section of the grocery store
- Spinach – for a pop of freshness
Helpful Tip
If you find the liquid is getting too low before the tortellini is cooked, simply add another splash of chicken broth or cream. Since stoves and cookware vary, adjust as needed for one-pan recipes using your best judgment!
How to make Italian sausage tortellini
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Crumble the sausage into a skillet. Cook until browned, and then drain any excess fat. Add the garlic, broth, tomatoes, cream, and tortellini. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked.
Once the sauce has reduced to your liking, add in the spinach. Cook until it wilts. Give it a taste, season with salt & pepper as needed, and top with freshly grated parmesan if using.
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- To easily mince garlic, use a garlic press. No peeling necessary.
- This cooking spoon is my favorite for many recipes.
- I like using angled measuring cups to make measuring out ingredients easy.
Substitutions and variations
- You can definitely use hot Italian sausage if you want a little heat!
- I don’t recommend substituting the heavy cream for anything with a lower fat content like half-and-half. It’s liable to curdle due to the tomatoes.
- A handful of fresh basil stirred in at the same time as the spinach would be delicious here.
What to serve with Italian sausage tortellini
- Pair this pasta with a fresh salad. Try my Super Simple Parmesan Arugula Salad, or try mixed greens with my Creamy Balsamic Dressing. A Caesar salad with my Best Caesar Dressing is also a fantastic idea.
- A slice of fresh crusty bread, a dinner roll, or Cheesy Garlic Bread are also great options.
Leftovers and storage
- Store for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container, but keep in mind that the tortellini will puff up/soak up the sauce the longer you leave it.
- Reheat in a saucepan over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- I don’t recommend freezing since I’m not a fan of the texture of thawed cooked pasta, but you could always experiment with leftovers if you wish.
If you made this tortellini with spinach and sausage recipe, please leave a star rating and review below! Talk to me if you have questions. You can also find me on Instagram.
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Ingredients
- 11 ounces Italian sausages crumbled, see note
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional, to taste
Instructions
- 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. Leave the sausage in the pan.
- Add the garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cream, and tortellini. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the tortellini is cooked and the sauce has reduced to your liking. Cooking the tortellini in the sauce helps thicken it (it releases starch).
- Stir in the spinach and let it wilt. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve with fresh parmesan sprinkled over top if using.
Notes
- I used 3 sausages from a 5-pack of Johnsonville mild Italian sausages. Anything around 11 oz will work, or you can even use more sausage meat if you wish. Try hot Italian sausages if you want some heat!
- I do not recommend substituting the heavy cream because the acidity in the tomatoes will likely curdle milk or half-and-half.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
© Salt & Lavender Inc. Content and photographs are copyrighted. Sharing this blog post is much appreciated, but copying and pasting full recipes without authorization to social media is strictly prohibited.
This recipe was originally published on September 27, 2019. It’s been updated with new photos and better instructions but is the same great recipe!
Kid tested, mother approved.
I doubled the recipe and did some hot and mild sausage! Delicious. “Why did you wait so long to make this for us!”
I love that!!! 😀
Can I add chicken to this recipe?
I suppose, but if you’re adding the sausage as well, I’m worried there won’t be enough sauce to go around.
Seriously the best recipe I ever found on line. We love it. I have a garden full of tomatoes. Can I use Fresh (from the garden), ripe tomatoes instead of canned?
I’m so glad you like it, Heidi!! Yes, I think fresh would work great, but you may need to add a splash of liquid (broth, wine, etc.) so the one pot method works and it isn’t too dry.
Can this be reheated please, and how to would be a help.
Hi! Yes, I would do it over a low heat on the stove in a covered saucepan. Keep in mind the tortellini will soak up the sauce the longer it sits, so you may need to add a splash more cream or broth if it’s looking a bit dry.
Turned out great! I substituted half and half instead of cream, and I also added a scoop of Goya Sofrito and cream cheese to the sauce. It came out so creamy and flavorful!
Wonderful!
I made this recipe tonight for dinner and it was delicious! I added a little white wine and minced shallot. This a great week night dinner and tasted gourmet. Thank you for the awesome recipe.
I’m thrilled to hear that!! Thanks for your comment, Vicki! 😀
Delicious! And slimple!!! Thanks
You’re very welcome!
Delicious! Doubled the recipe since I had a larger bag of tortellini. I added half a small onion while browning the sausage. Used my garlic bread to mop up the extra sauce on my plate. Will definitely make again. Super easy and quick!
So glad you liked it, Erin!
Just made this recipe with Italian chicken sausage from a butcher!!! Aaaamazing!!!
Wonderful!! 😀
Another 5 star recipe. Very simple. I used frozen tortellini and hot Italian Sausage And I did add a splash of white wine as it seemed to need a little more liquid.
Couldn’t see any reviews that said they used frozen tortellini but have no fear, it turned out great. Delicioso!!
Thank you so much, Karen! I’m so glad it worked out with frozen tortellini.
Thank you for the post, I to have frozen tortellini and was wondering if it work.