There’s something absolutely irresistible about Creamy Tortellini With Sausage; it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a big bowl, curl up on the couch, and sigh happily after every bite. Plump, cheesy tortellini swim in a velvety sauce, loaded with savory sausage, tender spinach, and just a hint of heat. It’s classic Italian-American comfort food—rich, satisfying, and so quick to make you’ll wonder why you ever settled for takeout. If you’re craving a cozy, hearty dinner that feels a little bit special but couldn’t be easier, this is the recipe you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of pantry basics can transform into this lush, restaurant-quality meal. Every ingredient in this Creamy Tortellini With Sausage recipe pulls its weight, bringing flavor, texture, and vibrant color to your dinner table.
- Olive oil: A classic Italian start that helps brown the sausage and create a flavorful base.
- Italian sausage: Whether you pick mild or spicy, this is the dish’s flavor powerhouse—be sure to remove the casings for the best results.
- Garlic: Three fresh cloves pack in aroma and depth; mince them finely for even distribution.
- Onion: Diced onion softens into sweetness and rounds out the savory notes.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Adds juicy acidity that balances the richness of the cream and sausage.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luxuriously creamy sauce; you can swap in half-and-half or milk if you want something lighter.
- Chicken broth: A splash adds savory complexity and helps the sauce coat every bite of tortellini.
- Italian seasoning: This blend infuses the sauce with classic herbal notes—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but a little heat goes a long way; add more if you love spice.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: These pillowy, three-cheese pasta bundles soak up every drop of sauce for a filling bite.
- Baby spinach: Wilts into the sauce, adding nutrition and a gorgeous pop of green.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated and stirred in at the end, it melts seamlessly into the sauce for nutty, salty flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings—taste as you go to get it just right.
How to Make Creamy Tortellini With Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. If your sausage is on the greasy side, carefully spoon off and discard any excess fat so your finished dish isn’t oily.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add in your diced onion. Let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes soft and translucent—this releases its natural sweetness and mellows the flavors. Make room in the pan and add your minced garlic. Stir just until fragrant; you don’t want to burn it!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes (liquid and all), then stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you love a little kick. Raise the heat slightly and bring it all to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors mingle and the sauce start to thicken.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Now, nestle the cheese tortellini directly into the bubbling sauce. Give everything a gentle stir and let the pasta simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes (a couple minutes longer if you’re using frozen tortellini), until they’re tender and plump.
Step 5: Finish With Spinach and Parmesan
Add handfuls of baby spinach straight into the skillet. Stir and watch as the heat wilts it in under a minute. Finally, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, stir until everything is creamy and gooey, and give your Creamy Tortellini With Sausage a final taste for salt and pepper. Serve piping hot and get ready to swoon.
How to Serve Creamy Tortellini With Sausage
Garnishes
Go all out with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil, and of course, a crack of black pepper. Add a few chili flakes on top for a touch of heat, or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for an extra glossy finish—these simple touches make your Creamy Tortellini With Sausage look and taste like it came from your favorite trattoria.
Side Dishes
For a truly complete meal, pair your tortellini with a leafy green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette, or some roasted broccoli for extra crunch. And don’t forget a warm loaf of crusty Italian bread—the sauce begs to be soaked up!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in shallow bowls, topped with a swirl of pesto or roasted cherry tomatoes for an elegant twist. Or, for a casual family night, bring the skillet right to the table so everyone can help themselves to as much Creamy Tortellini With Sausage as they want. It’s a crowd-pleaser however you scoop it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Tortellini With Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, so you might find tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious!
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for the creamiest results, freeze before stirring in the Parmesan and spinach. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and finishing with cheese and spinach.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. Microwave works as well, just cover and stir halfway so the pasta heats evenly and stays creamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! You’ll just want to add a couple of extra minutes to the simmering time so the tortellini cooks through and becomes perfectly tender in your creamy sauce.
Can I make Creamy Tortellini With Sausage ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce ahead and store it separately, then just cook the tortellini and combine when ready to serve. This keeps the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and helps maintain the luscious texture.
How can I lighten up this dish?
Feel free to swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use turkey sausage if you want to make it a bit lighter without sacrificing too much of that classic Creamy Tortellini With Sausage flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s just gently warming with the suggested red pepper flakes, but you can leave them out for a milder dish or add more if you prefer things with an extra kick.
What other veggies can I add?
Mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes are fantastic additions, but feel free to toss in roasted peppers or peas for color and sweetness. This recipe is so flexible, and it’s a great way to sneak in those extra veggies.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings people together like a bubbling skillet of Creamy Tortellini With Sausage. It’s just the right balance of rustic and comforting, yet so simple you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll see why it’s a family favorite—so grab your apron and treat yourself tonight!
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Creamy Tortellini With Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Tortellini with Sausage dish. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, this one-pan pasta is a hearty combination of cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Make the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Cook the Tortellini: Stir in tortellini and cook until tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
- You can use frozen tortellini—just increase the cooking time slightly.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the cream.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
