If you’ve been on the hunt for a fantastic weeknight meal that’s quick, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup, you’re going to adore this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe. It combines tender, cheesy tortellini with savory Italian sausage, bright spinach, and a zing of fresh lemon, all cooked in a single skillet. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want to impress friends with minimal effort, this recipe delivers satisfying comfort food vibes without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things simple yet vibrant, ensuring each bite bursts with texture and balanced flavors. Every item plays a crucial role in building this delicious dinner that comes together in one pan.
- 20 oz fresh cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, offering a rich and creamy base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage: Adds savory depth and a touch of spice that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 2 TBSP olive oil: For sautéing, helping to develop that irresistible golden crust on the sausage and onions.
- 1/2 red onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and color, softening into a lovely base flavor.
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced: Provides aromatic warmth that pairs wonderfully with the sausage.
- 4 cups baby spinach, ribboned or torn: Adds freshness, vibrant color, and a healthful green boost.
- 1 cup chicken broth, more if needed: Creates a light sauce, helping cook the tortellini while infusing flavor.
- Pinch of sea salt: To taste, rounding out and enhancing the other ingredients.
- Cracked black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano: Brings savory, nutty notes and creamy texture for finishing.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Introduces a bright, zesty contrast that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Sauté Onions
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced red onion and sauté for about two minutes, or until softened and releasing that wonderful sweet aroma. This step forms a flavorful base that sets the stage for everything to come.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Garlic
Add the ground mild Italian sausage right into the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks for about five minutes until it’s mostly browned and gorgeous golden bits start appearing. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute—this short burst of cooking keeps the garlic fragrant without becoming overpowering or bitter.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tortellini, Then Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and gently stir in the fresh tortellini, nestling the pasta pieces into the sausage mixture. Bring everything to a simmer, cover your skillet, and cook for around four minutes or following the package instructions until the tortellini are perfectly tender. This method lets the pasta soak up all those savory flavors in one pot.
Step 4: Incorporate Spinach and Cheese
Remove the skillet lid and stir in the handfuls of baby spinach along with the freshly grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano-Reggiano). The spinach wilts quickly, melding wonderfully with the creamy cheese and hot pasta. This step bursts the dish with color and fresh earthiness that balances the richness.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and squeeze the fresh lemon juice all over, then season with cracked black pepper to taste. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, sprinkle on some more grated cheese. Serve straight from the pan while it’s cozy and warm—it’s a spectacular, comforting dinner that satisfies with clarity and flair.
How to Serve One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this dish is all about adding pops of fresh flavor and texture. Try scattering chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for herbaceous brightness. A little drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes can bring exciting nuances, elevating every bite.
Side Dishes
While this skillet dinner is quite complete on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds a refreshing contrast. A slice of crusty garlic bread is also a wonderful companion—perfect for mopping up any luscious sauce left in the pan.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe family-style right in the skillet, placing it front and center on the table. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a lemon wedge and a sprinkle of extra cheese for a sophisticated look that says you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it an even tastier lunch. Just keep in mind the spinach may lose a bit of its vibrant texture but remains delicious.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though fresh tortellini sometimes loses a little texture after thawing. To freeze, cool completely, then package tightly in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce and restore creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works just fine—just adjust the simmering time according to the package instructions. Keep the skillet covered to help them cook through evenly with the sausage and broth.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
If you want to switch things up, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage alternatives can work well. Adjust seasonings slightly if needed to maintain that savory, aromatic flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-containing because of the tortellini. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free tortellini available at many grocery stores to keep the taste and texture as close as possible.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to add more color and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions or spinach to keep everything cooking evenly.
How spicy is the dish?
This version is mild, thanks to the choice of mild Italian sausage, but feel free to add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. It’s easy to adjust spice levels to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a meal that comes together in one pan with minimal effort but maximum flavor, and this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s become one of my absolute go-to dishes whenever I want something hearty, delicious, and fuss-free. Give it a try—you’re going to love how simple ingredients combine into such a satisfying dinner!
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One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan tortellini and sausage skillet dinner combining savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and bright lemon zest, all cooked together in a single skillet for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz fresh cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups baby spinach, ribboned or torn
- 1 cup chicken broth, more if needed
- Pinch of sea salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced red onion to the skillet and sauté for about two minutes until softened and fragrant, providing a mild sweetness to the dish.
- Cook the sausage: Add the ground mild Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5 minutes until mostly browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant but not burnt, infusing the sausage mixture with aromatic flavor.
- Simmer with tortellini: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the fresh cheese tortellini, nestling them into the sausage mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes or following the tortellini package instructions, until the tortellini are tender.
- Add spinach and cheese: Remove the skillet lid, stir in the baby spinach, sprinkle with grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano, and add the lemon zest. Cook uncovered for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cheese slightly melts into the mixture.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, season with cracked black pepper, and add extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot for a comforting and zesty meal.
Notes
- Use fresh cheese tortellini for the best texture and flavor; frozen can be used but may require slight adjustment in cooking time.
- If the mixture seems dry during cooking, add a splash more chicken broth to maintain a saucy consistency.
- Adjust the heat by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
