This creamy Italian sausage tortellini skillet recipe is a quick and easy dinner made in one skillet. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is the perfect comforting meal.
This one-skillet creamy sausage tortellini recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner! It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy, and ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for those busy nights when everyone’s hungry.
The best part? You only need a single skillet and simple ingredients to make this easy recipe for a busy weeknight dinner that’s guaranteed to be a family favorite!
Italian Sausage Tortellini Ingredients
Here is what you will need to make this creamy tortellini and sausage:
- Ground Italian Sausage: Choose mild for a family-friendly option or hot for a spicy kick.
- Herbs and Spices: Minced onion and minced garlic add a savory flavor that complements the sausage and other ingredients.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, it thickens the sauce and adds creaminess.
- Chicken Broth: Adds richness to the sauce, balancing the creaminess.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes (undrained): These tomatoes add a burst of smoky flavor and vibrant color to the dish. Leaving the juice in adds extra moisture and flavor.
- Cheese Tortellini: Pre-packaged cheese tortellini is the pasta base of the dish.
- Fresh Spinach (optional): This vegetable adds nutrients to the dish. It wilts quickly and has a fresh flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the dish to your personal preference.
Special Tools (affiliate links): Large Skillet
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini
This 30-minute weeknight dinner, tortellini and sausage skillet is perfect for a weeknight meal! Here is how to make it:
1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and crumble it with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned throughout and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet using a colander or slotted spoon.
2. Sauté: Add the minced onion and garlic to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Stir constantly over medium heat until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Simmer and Flavor: Add the chicken broth and fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Cook the Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions or until tender. Don’t overcook or it will have a mushy texture.
6. Wilt the Spinach (Optional): If using spinach, add it to the skillet in the last minute of cooking and stir until wilted.
7. Season and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the creamy tortellini and sausage in bowls or plates.
Recipe Tips
- Use a Blender: Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth to your blender. Blend for 30 seconds until perfectly smooth and creamy, then add to the skillet. (step 3)
- Picky Eater Tip: For a smoother texture that might appeal to picky eaters, you can blend the fire-roasted tomatoes with the creamy sauce in the blender. Simply add the tomatoes (undrained) to the blender.
- Fresh Herbs as Garnish: Consider topping your creamy tortellini skillet with fresh basil leaves or fresh parsley.
Storing Leftovers
- Transfer to Container: Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Heat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) until warmed through.
What to Serve With tortellini and sausage
This hearty skillet dish is a complete meal on its own, but here is a perfect pairing:
- Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls provide a comforting and satisfying side.
Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage Skillet Recipe
Creamy tortellini with Italian sausage skillet is the perfect busy weeknight dinner solution. The combination of savory Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and tender cheesy tortellini creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced onion
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 (19 ounces) tortellini - refrigerator section of the grocery store
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and crumble it with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned throughout and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet using a colander or slotted spoon.
2. Sauté: Add the minced onion and garlic to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Stir constantly over medium heat until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Simmer and Flavor: Add the chicken broth and fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Cook the Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions or until tender. Don't overcook as it will have a mushy texture.
6. Wilt the Spinach (Optional): If using spinach, add it to the skillet in the last minute of cooking and stir until wilted.
7. Season and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the creamy tortellini and sausage in bowls or plates.
Notes
Use a Blender: Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth to your blender. Blend for 30 seconds until perfectly smooth and creamy, then add to the skillet. (step 3)
Picky Eater Tip: For a smoother texture that might appeal to picky eaters, you can blend the fire-roasted tomatoes with the creamy sauce in the blender. Simply add the tomatoes (undrained) to the blender.
Fresh Herbs as Garnish: Consider topping your creamy tortellini skillet with fresh basil leaves or fresh parsley.
About the Author
Sarah Blankenship | Rocky Hedge FarmSarah is the author behind Rocky Hedge Farm. She is passionate about simple, healthy recipes, cast iron cooking, gardening, and remodeling her manufactured home. She shares her experiences and knowledge to inspire others. Go here to read her story, “Living a Life of Contentment and Joy: Simple Living at Rocky Hedge Farm.” If you want to message Sarah, visit her contact page here.
looks devine…thank you.