One Pot Tortellini With Italian Sausage And Spinach

This one pot tortellini with Italian sausage dish has it all. It’s quick to make, it has incredible flavor, and you only mess up one pot. Perfect anytime!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Ever had one of those days where you’re craving something ridiculously tasty, but you just can’t deal with the mountain of dishes afterward? We got ya!

This One Pot Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach is like a big ol’ hug for your taste buds.

Imagine diving into cheesy tortellini pockets mixed with that hearty Italian sausage – it’s the kind of combo that makes your mouth do a happy dance.

Tortellini with italian sausage and spinach in a skillet.
Creamy tomato sauce with those pockets of cheesy pasta is pure comfort food!

And the best part? It’s all made in one pot! Yep, you heard right. No juggling a gazillion pans or spending ages at the sink afterward.

Just one pot to cook and one pot to clean. It’s like the kitchen equivalent of finding a twenty in your jeans.

So next time you’re after something that’s all kinds of delicious without the usual kitchen chaos, give this a whirl. Trust me, your taste buds (and your sanity) will thank you!

Did I mention that this tasty dish is on the table in less than 30 minutes? True! A delicious meal doesn’t need to take hours.

A meal like this needs some crusty bread, and we got that too. Check out our fabulous Sourdough Bread Recipe or Easy No Knead Overnight Focaccia Bread. Any one of those would go great with this tasty pasta.

Ingredients Needed

Nothing out of the ordinary here.

Ingredients for Tortellini with Sausage on a dark surface.
  • Cheese Tortellini: Plump pillows of pasta generously filled with a rich and creamy cheese blend, offering both a delightful bite and a harmonious melding of flavors that complement the savory elements of the dish.
  • Italian Sausage: Offers a savory and slightly spicy flavor, adding depth to the dish. Its texture complements the softness of the tortellini. Use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick or mild Italian sausage for a more mellow experience.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a mild fruity flavor and ensures that the ingredients don’t stick to the pan.
  • Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients lay the foundation for the dish, providing a depth of flavor and enhancing the taste of other ingredients.
  • White Wine: Deglazes the pan and introduces acidity, which balances out the richness of other ingredients. If you don’t want to use wine, chicken stock or chicken broth works as well.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Creates the base for the sauce, offering sweetness, acidity, and a rich tomato flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Introduces a creamy texture to the sauce and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Spinach: Adds a mild earthy flavor, color contrast, and nutritional value to the dish.
  • Romano Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty flavor, enhancing the overall taste and adding a creamy texture. Parmesan cheese works as well.
  • Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Seasonings that accentuate and uplift the flavors of the dish.

Grabbing the stuff for this dish is a breeze – just regular things from your local store, and boom! You’re turning simple into seriously delish!

How To Make Tortellini With Italian Sausage And Spinach

  • Add the olive oil to a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and brown. Crumble the sausage to your preferred size. Add the onions when the sausage is about halfway done. Drain any fat, if needed.
Browned italian sausage in a skillet.
Mild or hot sausage, they both work.
Onions added to browned italian sausage in a skillet.
  • Continue to cook the sausage until the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. When the sausage is done, add the garlic and continue to cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
Browned italian sausage with translucent onions in a skillet.
Garlic added to browned italian sausage in a skillet.
No fresh garlic? Toss in 1/4 tsp of garlic powder.
  • Add the white wine to the pan, deglazing. Allow to cook for a minute or two to cook off the alcohol.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine well. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing to reduce.
Crushed tomatoes added to italian sausage in a skillet.
Tomato sauce with italian sausage simmering in a skillet
  • Add the tortellini and stir it in. Continue to simmer until they’re heated through. Add the heavy cream. Stir well to incorporate.
Tortellini added to a tomato sauce in a skillet.
The tender tortellini goes perfectly with this sauce.
Cream added to a tortellini with italian sausage dish.
We’re using a cheese-filled tortellini. Use your favorite in this recipe.
  • Add the spinach. Simmer until the spinach has wilted. Remove from the heat and add the romano cheese. Stir to combine.
Spinach being added to a tortellini and italian sausage dish.
Fresh spinach wilts fast, don’t freak out if you think you’re running out of room.
Adding cheese to tortellini with italian sausage and spinach in a skillet.
This tortellini skillet meal is ready!
  • Optionally, season with additional salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Tortellini with italian sausage and spinach in a dark bowl on a dark surface.
A family favorite that the ENTIRE family will enjoy!

Look, this One Pot Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach is good. It’s downright awesome! The whole family is going to love it.

Whether you’re looking to impress on date night, need a quick fix for a busy weekday, or just craving some comfort food, this dish has got your back. It’s always the right time for flavors this good!

If you give our One Pot Tortellini a try, we’re all ears (and taste buds)! Let us know how it turned out and share your delish moments with #dontsweattherecipe on Instagram!

Tips

  • Taste as You Go: One of the most underrated cooking habits. Instead of strictly following measurements for seasonings, try a little, taste, and adjust. This ensures your dish is seasoned perfectly to your liking and helps avoid over-salting or over-seasoning.
  • Choosing the Right Tortellini: While any tortellini will work, opt for fresh or refrigerated tortellini as they tend to have a softer texture and cook faster than dried ones. If you’re feeling adventurous, trying variations like spinach or mushroom tortellini can add an extra layer of flavor!
  • Sausage Selection: The type of Italian sausage you choose can greatly influence the flavor of the dish. For a spicier kick, go with spicy Italian sausage. If you prefer something milder, sweet Italian sausage is your best bet. And if you’re looking to make the dish leaner, turkey or chicken Italian sausage is a great alternative!

Variations

  1. Seafood Delight: Swap out the Italian sausage for some shrimp or scallops. As seafood typically cooks faster than meat, add it in towards the end, just before the tortellini. This version would give the dish a lighter, more Mediterranean twist. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little heat and some lemon zest for a zesty pop!
  2. Veggie Boost: If you’re looking to pack in more veggies, consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These can be sautéed along with the onions. For a more autumnal touch, you can even add cubes of roasted butternut squash!
  3. Cheese Lover’s Dream: For those who can’t get enough cheese, try adding a mix of mozzarella and ricotta in the final stages, just before the Romano. It’ll make the dish ultra-rich, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy. You can also sprinkle some fresh basil on top for a fresh contrast.

FAQs

Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh or refrigerated?

Absolutely! Dried tortellini will work, but they might need a bit longer to cook. Just follow the package instructions for the cooking time, and adjust the recipe accordingly. Keep an eye on the liquid level, as dried tortellini might absorb more sauce.

I’m not a fan of spinach. What other greens can I use?

No problem! You can swap out the spinach for other leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as tougher greens like kale might need a few extra minutes to wilt and become tender.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! You can omit the Italian sausage or replace it with a vegetarian sausage alternative. Another option is to add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a protein boost, consider adding beans like cannellini or chickpeas.

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Tortellini with italian sausage and spinach in a dark bowl on a dark surface.

One Pot Tortellini With Italian Sausage And Spinach Recipe

Enjoy this flavorful One Pot Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach dish. Quick and easy to make, and only one pot to clean up afterwards!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 519kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 18 oz Tortellini Frozen or refrigerated
  • 1 lb Italian sausage ground
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Onion diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup White wine
  • 2 cans Crushed tomatoes 14.5 oz cans, fire roasted
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream
  • 2 cup Spinach
  • 1/4 cup Romano cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

  • Add olive oil to heated large skillet
    1 tbsp Olive oil
  • Add the Italian sausage and brown. Add the onions when the sausage is about half way done. Drain any fat, if needed.
    1 lb Italian sausage, 1/2 cup Onion
  • Continue to cook the sausage until the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  • When the sausage is done, add the garlic and continue to cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
    2 cloves Garlic
  • Add the white wine to the pan, deglazing. Allow to cook for a minute or two to cook off the alcohol.
    1/4 cup White wine
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, kosher salt and black pepper. Stir to combine well. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing to reduce.
    2 cans Crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp Kosher salt, 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • Add the tortellini and stir it in. Continue to simmer until they're heated through (follow the instructions provided on the product you have selected).
    18 oz Tortellini
  • Add the heavy cream. Stir well to incorporate. Then add the spinach. Simmer until the spinach has wilted.
    1/2 cup Heavy cream, 2 cup Spinach
  • Remove from the heat and add the romano cheese. Stir to combine.
    1/4 cup Romano cheese
  • Season with additional salt and pepper (optionally). Serve immediately.

Notes

Leftover Instructions
Storing: Transfer any leftover tortellini dish into an airtight container. It’s best to separate the dish into serving-sized portions, making it easier to reheat later. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, covering loosely with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
Stovetop: Pour leftovers into a skillet or pot and warm over medium heat. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate the sauce if it’s thickened too much in the fridge. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and heat until warmed through.

Nutrition

Calories: 519kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 1021mg | Potassium: 528mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1157IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 191mg | Iron: 4mg

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