Description
The Ultimate Tortellini Skillet is a quick and hearty one-pan meal perfect for busy evenings. Tender cheese tortellini is simmered in a savory tomato sauce with Italian sausage, spinach, and melty mozzarella, creating a bubbly, comforting dish that everyone will love. It comes together in under 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main
- 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Add-ins
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer cooked sausage to a plate using a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave a tablespoon of fat in the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Return the browned sausage to the pan. Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then stir in the red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Spinach: Uncover and add the baby spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted and well combined with the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the skillet. Cover for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- If using frozen tortellini, add a few extra minutes of cook time until they’re tender.
- Swap sausage for ground turkey or make it vegetarian with mushrooms.
- Add other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or double the red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
