Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Creamy Sausage Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a luxuriously creamy tomato sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something satisfying without the fuss. This dish is a guaranteed family-pleaser that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
Why This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
We all need that go-to recipe that’s fast, easy, and incredibly delicious. This is it. The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. You get the richness of the cream, the savory bite of the sausage, and the tender chew of the tortellini all in one skillet.
Unlike other recipes that can be complicated or time-consuming, this entire meal is designed for efficiency. It minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a memorable meal. For another quick and satisfying pasta dish, check out our One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Sausage Tortellini
The beauty of this recipe is its reliance on a few high-quality, powerhouse ingredients to deliver incredible flavor.
Choosing Your Sausage
The foundation of this dish is the sausage. We recommend using a good quality ground Italian sausage. You can choose hot, sweet, or mild, depending on your preference. Hot Italian sausage will add a wonderful kick that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, sweet or mild Italian sausage works beautifully.
The Secret to the Creamiest Sauce
The sauce is what brings everything together. A combination of heavy cream and a touch of cream cheese creates a velvety texture that is simply irresistible. A generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese is melted in at the end, adding a salty, nutty flavor that completes the dish. For a different take on a creamy pasta sauce, you might also enjoy this Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect skillet of creamy tortellini every time.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the refrigerated tortellini to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and tender.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until it has wilted into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Tortellini Dish
A few simple tips can elevate your Creamy Sausage Tortellini from great to absolutely spectacular.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from becoming mushy. It’s done when it’s plump and tender.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the smoothest sauce, grate your own Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Let the Cream Cheese Soften: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before adding it to the skillet. This helps it melt more easily and incorporate smoothly into the sauce.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
- Add More Veggies: Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions. Sauté them with the onion and garlic.
- Change the Protein: Try this recipe with ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage for a different twist. If you like spicy sausage, our Sausage and Pepper Pasta is another great option.
- Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
What to Serve with Creamy Sausage Tortellini
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. For something more substantial, serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping into that delicious sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
This dish is best served fresh as the tortellini can absorb the sauce and become soft upon sitting. However, you can brown the sausage and make the sauce base ahead of time, then add the tortellini and cream when you’re ready to serve.
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the simmer time to ensure it cooks through completely. Check the package directions for guidance.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
This recipe is very versatile! You can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini when you sauté the onions. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add extra heat, and sun-dried tomatoes can provide a delicious tangy flavor.
We recommend using ground Italian sausage. You can choose hot, mild, or sweet depending on your spice preference. Hot Italian sausage adds a nice kick that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
The Ultimate Creamy Sausage Tortellini Recipe
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights, a comforting dish for a cozy night in, and a crowd-pleaser for guests. We know you’ll love it as much as we do. If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your creation with us on Pinterest.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the refrigerated tortellini, stir, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
- Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't be afraid to use hot Italian sausage for an extra layer of flavor that balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
Tip 3: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to help it melt seamlessly into the sauce.
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