Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini is a comforting and delicious one-pan dinner that combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, making it a family favorite with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Brown Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream Sauce: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and heavy cream. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Cook the Tortellini: Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the tortellini are tender and heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Finish with Parmesan and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Use kale instead of spinach for a different leafy green option.
- Substitute plant-based sausage to create a meatless version.
- This dish works great for weeknight dinners and makes excellent leftovers.
