Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings together flavorful chicken sausage, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. Quick to prepare and easy to clean up, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and will satisfy the whole family. With a touch of Parmesan and a kick from red pepper flakes, it’s a comforting meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy sausage tortellini skillet is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of creamy sauce, tender tortellini, and savory chicken sausage makes every bite a delight. It’s a simple dish that comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrition, while the Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, rich flavor. Plus, the red pepper flakes give it just enough heat without overpowering the flavors. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in no time—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 pound chicken sausage (remove casing if necessary)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 pound frozen cheese tortellini

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 3 cups fresh spinach

• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken sausage and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into pieces as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Chicken Stock: Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a low boil over medium-high heat.

4. Cook the Tortellini: Add the frozen tortellini to the skillet and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 3-4 minutes for frozen tortellini.

5. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach begins to wilt (about 2 minutes). The sauce will thicken as it cools a bit.

6. Season: Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.

7. Serve: Serve warm, and enjoy your creamy, flavorful meal!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.

• Make it Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to make the dish spicier.

• Low-Fat Version: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.

• Cheese Variations: Try different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Asiago, to change up the flavor of the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh tortellini can be used. Just adjust the cooking time as fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken sausage with other types of chicken sausage depending on your preference.

Is this dish gluten-free?

This dish is not gluten-free because of the tortellini, but you can substitute gluten-free tortellini to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can make the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove with a little extra cream or stock to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze the leftovers, but the creamy sauce may change in texture upon reheating. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months, and reheat slowly over low heat.

What kind of chicken sausage should I use?

You can use any type of chicken sausage you prefer. Chicken sausage is a leaner option, but feel free to choose a flavor you love, such as garlic, spinach, or even a spicy version.

Can I add more spinach?

Yes, feel free to add more spinach for a greener and more nutritious dish! You can even add other leafy greens like kale if you prefer.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a little longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese of your choice, though Parmesan gives the sauce a unique richness.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk (like almond milk or coconut milk) and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Conclusion

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet is the epitome of comfort food. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle. The combination of sausage, tortellini, and spinach in a creamy sauce will surely become a family favorite. Quick to make, easy to clean up, and full of flavor—what more could you ask for?

Print