Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini

Highlighted under: Clean & Simple Meals

Enjoy a quick and delicious meal with this Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Tom

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2025-12-06T19:05:54.557Z

This Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini is a family favorite, combining the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the comforting texture of cheese-filled tortellini.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
  • Savory flavors that will satisfy your cravings
  • A one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup

A Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Finding time to prepare a delicious meal during busy weeknights can be challenging. That's where this Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini comes in. It’s a delightful dish that can be made in just 30 minutes, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner with your family or friends. With minimal effort, you can whip up a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

This recipe is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste. The combination of savory Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach creates a comforting dish that’s hard to resist. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss.

The Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of this Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini is truly irresistible. The Italian sausage brings a savory richness that serves as the heart of the dish, while the diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity that balances the creaminess of the heavy cream. Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors that are both comforting and satisfying.

Garlic adds an aromatic touch that elevates the dish, giving it that authentic Italian flair. Fresh spinach not only brings color and nutrition but also enhances the overall flavor with its mild earthiness. Topped with grated Parmesan cheese, this dish becomes a flavor-packed experience that will leave you craving more.

A One-Pot Wonder

One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it’s a one-pot meal. Not only does this mean fewer dishes to wash, but it also allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Cooking everything in one pot ensures that the tortellini absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce, making each bite deliciously satisfying.

This makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping or entertaining, as you can easily scale the recipe up or down. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up afterward. It's the ultimate solution for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.

Ingredients

For the Tortellini

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 cups cheese tortellini
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the diced tomatoes (with juice) and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add Cream and Tortellini

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically around 5-7 minutes.

Finish with Spinach and Cheese

Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired!

Tips for Perfect Tortellini

When cooking tortellini, it's essential to follow the package instructions closely to achieve the perfect texture. Typically, it only takes about 5-7 minutes to cook, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking. Al dente tortellini will provide a delightful bite that works harmoniously with the creamy sauce.

Additionally, consider using frozen tortellini for a quick meal solution. It cooks up just as well as fresh but saves even more time in the kitchen. Just toss it directly into the sauce without thawing, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini can be served on its own or paired with a side salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish and adds a refreshing touch. You could also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting, family-friendly dinner.

For an extra burst of flavor, consider garnishing your tortellini with fresh basil or parsley before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh element that balances the richness of the dish beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, this dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Freezing is also an option if you want to prepare meals in advance. Just ensure the dish is cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm up on the stove for a quick and convenient meal later on.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative for a lighter option.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure the sausage is gluten-free.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or any of your favorite vegetables.

Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini

Enjoy a quick and delicious meal with this Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Tom

Recipe Type: Clean & Simple Meals

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Tortellini

  1. 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  2. 2 cups cheese tortellini
  3. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  4. 1 cup heavy cream
  5. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  6. 2 cups fresh spinach
  7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Olive oil for cooking

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 02

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the diced tomatoes (with juice) and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically around 5-7 minutes.

Step 04

Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.

Step 05

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 16g