italian sausage and tortellini recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best italian sausage and tortellini recipe

I’m so excited to share this Italian sausage and tortellini recipe with you all. This dish is a staple in my household, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a new twist on traditional pasta dishes. The combination of sweet Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and savory tomato sauce is absolute perfection.

My family loves it when I serve this up for dinner, and it’s also a great option for potlucks or family gatherings. Plus, the best part is that it’s relatively healthy – the sausage provides protein, while the tortellini and sauce are loaded with vitamins and minerals. I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, and it never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this Italian sausage and tortellini recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household too.

As an added bonus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes by adding in different vegetables or spices. My kids love it when I add in some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to give the dish an extra boost of flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try using different types of sausage – such as hot Italian sausage or sweet pork sausage – to mix things up.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Simply cook up the sausage in a large skillet, then add in the tortellini and sauce. Let everything simmer together until the flavors have melded together beautifully. It’s really as simple as that!

My kids can even help me out with this part – they love being able to stir everything together and watch as the dish comes together. Of course, one of the biggest perks of this recipe is how well it freezes. If you’re planning ahead for a busy weeknight dinner or want to prep some meals in advance for your family, simply cook up the sausage and sauce as instructed, then let everything cool before freezing in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw out the desired amount of food and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Italian Sausage and Tortellini Skillet

Italian Sausage and Tortellini Skillet

4.8 from 526 votes

A hearty one-pan meal featuring savory Italian sausage and tender cheese tortellini in a rich tomato cream sauce. This quick and satisfying dish comes together in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3The sausage should be no longer pink and have a golden-brown crust.
4Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 3 minutes.
5Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
6Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
7Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
8Add the cheese tortellini to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
9Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low.
10Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the tortellini is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce.
11Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
12Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
13Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Lid for skillet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. You can also use frozen tortellini; just add 2 minutes to the simmering time. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Italian Sausage and Tortellini Skillet Works

This Italian sausage and tortellini recipe is always a good idea – whether you’re serving up a quick weeknight dinner or need something special for a family gathering. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – simply toss everything into a skillet with some additional sauce if needed, and let it simmer until everything is heated through.

One final tip: don’t be afraid to get creative with leftovers! This dish freezes beautifully, so feel free to prep some meals in advance if needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage and Tortellini Skillet

Q: What type of Italian sausage should I use?

A: For this recipe, I like to use sweet Italian sausage – but feel free to experiment with different types of sausage if you prefer!

Q: Can I use fresh or frozen tortellini?

A: Yes! Both fresh and frozen tortellini work beautifully in this recipe.

Q: How long should I cook the sausage?

A: Cook the sausage until it’s browned on both sides and cooked through – usually around 5-7 minutes.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with my own favorite ingredients?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add in your own favorite vegetables or spices to make this recipe your own.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Unfortunately not – but you could easily swap out the sausage for vegetarian-friendly options like portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices.

Q: How do I store leftover tortellini?

A: Store leftover tortellini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – or freeze for up to 2 months.

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