This one-skillet Tuscan Tortellini Recipe is exactly what you’ve been looking for on those busy weeknights. Ready in less then an hour, it’s not only quick and easy but also features a savory, flavorful, robust sauce for one of the best tortellini recipes.
It is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for those nights when you want something hearty and satisfying but without a lot of fuss.
Tuscan Tortellini with Sausage and Spinach
Course: MainCuisine: Italian, Mediterranean6
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
2 TB olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb Italian sausage, bulk, no casings
2 cups pasta sauce, tomato based
14 oz diced tomatoes, Italian seasoned, with juices
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup half and half creamer, or heavy cream
19 oz cheese tortellini, frozen, do not thaw
3 cups baby spinach leaves, excess moisture removed, torn to bite size
freshly ground black pepper
freshly shaved/shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional: freshly chopped herbs, such as basil or parsley, for garnish
Directions
- In a very large skillet, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion, stir constantly 30 seconds. Add garlic and stir another 2 minutes or until aromatic and tender.
- Push onion mixture to the edges of pan and add sausage into the center of pan. Cook and break up sausage; once it’s half-cooked, stir together with the onion mixture and continue cooking until browned.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, broth, and half/half. Stir and bring to a boil. Add frozen tortellini, stirring to submerge tortellini in the sauce. Bring back to a boil, cover, and reduce to simmer until tender, about 8 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Gently stir in spinach just until wilted. Add 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste. Serve immediately with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs, if desired
Notes
- Always heat the olive oil over medium heat before adding the onions. This ensures that the onions are cooked evenly and release their full flavor.
When adding the garlic, make sure to stir it constantly for about 2 minutes. This will help to release its aroma and prevent it from burning, which can give your dish a bitter taste.
Don’t forget to break up the sausage as it cooks. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and mixes well with the other ingredients.
When adding the tortellini, make sure they are fully submerged in the sauce. This will ensure they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
Always add the spinach last and stir it gently until it wilts. This will keep it fresh and vibrant, adding a nice color contrast to your dish.
Don’t skimp on the freshly ground black pepper and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. These ingredients add a burst of flavor that really elevates the dish.
If you’re using fresh tortellini, reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy and lose their shape.
This recipe creates extra sauce to ensure the tortellini cooks through; serve with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce! We also love having it with some Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread or Olive Garden breadsticks.
If you’d prefer less liquid, you can use just 1 cup of pasta sauce, but be sure the tortellini has enough liquid to fully submerge/cook in.
If you prefer the sauce to be more creamy, add a bit more cream. If the leftover sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more broth to loosen it.
