If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you will adore this Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe. Packed with tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious sauce made from cream, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, every bite offers rich flavors and comforting textures. This dish comes together quickly yet feels special enough to impress family or friends, making it one of those go-to recipes you’ll want to keep handy for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and vibrant color that makes the Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe truly stand out.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Choose mild or spicy depending on your preference; removing casings helps it crumble beautifully for even cooking.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant, savory depth that elevates the sauce.
- Small onion (1, diced): Softens and sweetens as it cooks, creating a flavorful base.
- Cheese tortellini (20-ounce package, refrigerated): The star of the dish, delivering pillowy pasta pockets stuffed with creamy cheese.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5-ounce, drained): Bring bright acidity and a touch of texture contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Responsible for that irresistible silky sauce that wraps everything in lush richness.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the sauce light and flavorful, balancing the cream perfectly.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A classic herb blend adding aromatic warmth and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle kick that brings the sausage’s spice to life, if desired.
- Fresh baby spinach (2 cups): Offers vibrant greenery and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish that ties the flavors together.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste — essential for seasoning each element perfectly.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright, herbaceous garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the Italian sausage after removing its casing. As it cooks, break it up into small crumbles. Browning the sausage thoroughly brings out its rich flavor and builds a savory base for the sauce. If there’s too much fat released, drain some off to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss diced onions into the skillet with the sausage and cook them until they’re tender and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant — about 30 seconds. This stage releases a wonderful aromatic foundation that perfectly complements the sausage.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Add the drained diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) straight into the pan. Stir everything together well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creamy, tomato-tinged sauce will envelop every piece of tortellini in the next step.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Pour in your refrigerated cheese tortellini. Let everything cook together for about 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender but still holding their shape. The sauce thickens slightly during this time, coating the pasta perfectly.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Parmesan
Finally, stir in fresh baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce. Finish by tasting and adjusting seasonings with salt and pepper so every bite bursts with balanced flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving to add a pop of fresh green and a subtle herbal brightness. You can also add a little extra Parmesan for guests who love that salty, nutty punch.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also fantastic for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the tortellini in rustic shallow bowls and garnish with colorful roasted cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. You can even add a few toasted pine nuts on top for a delightful crunch that elevates the texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it rests, making for delicious meals the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes fairly well. Portion the cooled tortellini into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of spinach may change slightly after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. This will revive the creamy consistency and keep the tortellini tender without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just fine. Just cook it a couple of minutes longer to ensure it’s cooked through and tender in the sauce.
Can I substitute a different type of sausage?
Yes, feel free to use Italian chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even spicy chorizo for a twist. Adjust seasonings accordingly to balance the flavors.
Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
You can replace the heavy cream with a blend of coconut milk and cashew cream or use a plant-based cream alternative, but the richness will vary slightly from the original version.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and consider adding mushrooms or roasted vegetables for heartiness while maintaining all the creamy deliciousness of the sauce.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is mild unless you opt for spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust spice to your liking by increasing or leaving out the flakes.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you try this Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe soon because it’s a perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and ease. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite on your dinner rotation. So why wait? Grab your skillet and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini recipe is a flavorful and comforting one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender cheese tortellini simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with browned Italian sausage, garlic, onions, diced tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy Italian-American dish that satisfies without fuss.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Cook tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Finish with spinach and cheese: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the creamy sausage tortellini hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Frozen tortellini can be substituted; just extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes to ensure they cook through.
- Swap out spinach for kale or arugula for a different leafy green variation.
- Add mushrooms for extra heartiness and texture in the sauce.
- Drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid watery sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
