This One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is a game-changer for busy nights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a simple dish where cheesy tortellini, spicy sausage, and a few fresh veggies all cook together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The sausage adds a nice kick, while the tortellini keeps things soft and comforting.
I love making this when I need a quick, satisfying meal that still feels special. It’s one of those recipes where everything comes together so easily that I can almost forget it’s dinner time. Bonus points: you don’t have to juggle multiple pots or pans, so I can focus on relaxing instead of worrying about the dishes stacking up.
My favorite way to serve it is with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little bit of Parmesan on top. Sometimes I toss in some spinach or bell peppers if I have them on hand, which adds a nice pop of color and freshness. It’s a recipe that’s always a hit with friends and family, and I think you’ll love how cozy and satisfying it feels without much fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This brings lots of flavor and a bit of spice. For a milder version, pick sweet Italian sausage or swap with ground turkey or chicken sausage. You can also use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
Fresh Cheese Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and stays tender. If you can’t find fresh, frozen works well too. Avoid dried tortellini here, as it may need longer cooking and can change the texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add bright, juicy bursts of flavor. If out of season, canned diced tomatoes (drained) can be used but add them later to avoid too much extra liquid.
Spinach: Adds freshness and a little color. Baby spinach works great since it wilts quickly. You could also try kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan: These make the sauce creamy and cheesy. For a lighter twist, use half-and-half or milk with a little extra cheese. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for dairy-free cooking.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Sauce Without It Splitting?
The creamy sauce here balances broth, cream, and cheese for smooth texture. To keep it from breaking or being oily:
- After cooking the tortellini in broth, reduce heat to low before adding heavy cream. High heat can cause cream to curdle.
- Add Parmesan gradually and stir constantly. Cheese melts better when combined slowly.
- Don’t overcook once the cream and cheese are in. Just warm through until silky.
- If the sauce seems too thick, a splash more broth or cream will loosen it easily.
This gentle heat and steady stirring help make a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the tortellini and sausage.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan – perfect for cooking sausage and tortellini evenly without sticking.
- Spoon or spatula – great for stirring the sausage and tortellini gently without breaking the pasta.
- Knife and cutting board – to chop garlic, tomatoes, and parsley quickly and safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helpful for accurate broth, cream, and cheese measurements to get the sauce just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use spicy chorizo instead of Italian sausage for a smoky, bold flavor kick.
- Swap fresh spinach with kale or arugula for a different green that adds texture and taste.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra tang and a chewy bite that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
- Stir in a handful of mozzarella cubes at the end for gooey cheese pockets throughout the dish.
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed and crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups fresh cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping and cooking the sausage and veggies, then about 10 minutes simmering the tortellini and finishing with the creamy sauce. It’s quick, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook, stirring often, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra grease, you can drain some off.
2. Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
Mix in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in the quartered cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Cook Tortellini in Broth:
Put the fresh tortellini into the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Gently stir to combine and make sure the tortellini is covered by the liquid. Cover the pan and let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
4. Make It Creamy:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything turns into a creamy sauce that clings to the tortellini and sausage.
5. Finish with Spinach and Seasoning:
Fold in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Take off the heat and serve immediately. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, tasty finish.
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works well—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time and keep the skillet covered while simmering to ensure it cooks through evenly.
How Can I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a savory, hearty vegetarian option.
What’s the Best Way to Add More Vegetables?
You can toss in extras like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the sausage before adding the other ingredients.
