One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is a super easy and delicious meal that comes together quickly. It combines tender cheese tortellini, flavorful sausage, and a rich tomato sauce all cooked…
Tip: save now, cook later.One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is a super easy and delicious meal that comes together quickly. It combines tender cheese tortellini, flavorful sausage, and a rich tomato sauce all cooked in one pan. The sausage adds a nice spicy kick, while the tortellini soaks up all the tasty sauce, making every bite comforting and filling.
I love how simple this recipe is—everything cooks in one skillet, which means less washing up and more time to enjoy your meal. I usually add some fresh spinach or bell peppers for a bit of color and extra veggies. It’s the kind of dish that feels hearty but doesn’t take all day to make, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
When I serve this, I like to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. It’s a crowd-pleaser that gets a thumbs-up from both kids and adults around our table. This one pan tortellini has quickly become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something tasty and fuss-free.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I like using mild or spicy sausage depending on how much heat I want. If you don’t eat pork, ground turkey or chicken sausage works well too. Just make sure it’s well seasoned.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is my favorite here because it melts into the sauce nicely. You can use frozen or refrigerated ones. If unavailable, cheese ravioli is a good substitute.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the sauce. In a pinch, vegetable broth or even water works—just add a pinch of extra seasoning to boost flavor.
Heavy Cream: It creates a rich, creamy sauce. You can swap it for half-and-half or a bit of cream cheese for a lighter touch. Coconut cream is an option for dairy-free versions.
Spinach & Basil: Fresh greens brighten the dish. I sometimes add kale or arugula as alternatives. Fresh herbs like basil can be swapped with parsley or oregano depending on your taste.
How Do You Make Sure the Tortellini Cooks Perfectly in One Pan?
Cooking tortellini right in the sauce can be tricky. Here’s what I do to get soft, flavorful pasta without sticking or undercooking:
- Use enough liquid: The chicken broth and cream create a gentle simmer. Keep an eye so the pan has enough liquid for the tortellini to absorb as it cooks.
- Cover the pan: This traps steam and heat, helping the tortellini cook evenly and quickly.
- Stir occasionally: This prevents the tortellini from sticking to the pan and helps them cook on all sides.
- Check doneness: After 5-7 minutes, taste a tortellini to see if it’s tender. If not, add a splash more broth or water and cook a bit longer.
- Finish with cheese and greens: Adding Parmesan cheese off the heat thickens the sauce slightly, and wilted spinach adds freshness without overcooking.
With these steps, your tortellini will be creamy, tender, and full of flavor every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick or stainless steel skillet – perfect for cooking the sausage and tortellini all in one pan without sticking.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – helps you break up the sausage and stir ingredients gently without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups – to add the right amount of broth and cream for a creamy sauce.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for dicing onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chopping fresh herbs like basil and spinach.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage to lighten the dish.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for extra veggie goodness and texture.
- Use pesto instead of tomato for a fresh, herby twist on the sauce.
- Stir in some red pepper flakes if you want more heat and spice.
One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes for cooking. In total, expect about 25 minutes from start to table, making it a great choice for a quick, tasty weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Combine Sauce:
Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Add tortellini, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tortellini are tender and have absorbed some liquid.
5. Finish with Sausage and Spinach:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir in the chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
6. Add Cheese and Season:
Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Top with sliced fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your creamy, savory one pan tortellini!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time and make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The tortellini will cook through nicely in the sauce.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Simply omit the sausage and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also use plant-based sausage substitutes for a similar flavor and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook everything except the spinach and cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan before serving for the best taste and texture.