If you’re craving a comforting meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, the One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish perfectly balances savory Italian sausage with tender, cheesy tortellini, brightened by fresh spinach and a zing of lemon. It’s an effortless recipe that combines rich textures and vibrant tastes, all cooked in one single skillet for an easy cleanup and maximum flavor melding. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just want a delicious meal on the table fast, this skillet dinner will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe is simple but essential, coming together to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy sausage to the fresh spinach, every element plays a part in making this dish so satisfying.
- 20 oz fresh cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, offering a creamy, cheesy bite that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage: Adds savory depth and a little spice, making this meal hearty and flavorful.
- 2 TBSP olive oil: The perfect fat for sautéing the onion and sausage, providing richness and a lovely golden sear.
- 1/2 red onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and crunch when cooked just right.
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced: Offers a fragrant punch that lifts all the other ingredients.
- 4 cups baby spinach, ribboned or torn: Adds freshness and a gorgeous pop of green that brightens the whole skillet.
- 1 cup chicken broth, more if needed: Keeps the tortellini moist as it simmers and infuses the dish with savory flavor.
- Pinch of sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors for a balanced taste.
- Cracked black pepper: Adds a fresh, peppery kick right at the end.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano: Gives an umami-rich, nutty finish that melts beautifully into the hot tortellini.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Brings brightness and acidity to cut through the richness, making every bite pop.
How to Make One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Heat the oil and sauté the onion
Start by warming your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Toss in the diced red onion and sauté for about two minutes until the pieces soften and release their gentle sweetness. This base sets the tone for the whole skillet, creating a flavorful foundation.
Step 2: Cook the sausage and garlic
Next, add the mild Italian sausage right to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks for roughly five minutes, browning it nicely but not drying it out. Just as the sausage gets close to done, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute more—this short time infuses the dish with vibrant, aromatic flavor without burning the garlic.
Step 3: Simmer and cook tortellini
Pour in a cup of chicken broth and nestle in the fresh cheese tortellini. Give everything a gentle stir so the tortellini aren’t clumped together and submerge nicely in the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet. Let it cook for approximately 4 minutes, or according to the package directions, until the tortellini become tender and perfectly plump. This step ensures the pasta absorbs the savory juices while staying delightfully soft.
Step 4: Add spinach and cheese
Remove the lid and add the baby spinach along with the freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano and lemon zest. Stir gently to mix everything. The residual heat will wilt the spinach quickly and melt the cheese slightly, creating a creamy, silky coating on every tortellini bite. This combination also gives the dish an irresistible fresh and tangy finish.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Turn off the heat and squeeze the juice of the lemon over the skillet, then season with a generous crack of black pepper—and extra cheese if you like. Give it a final stir to combine all those wonderful flavors and serve immediately while it’s still warm, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
How to Serve One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a lovely aromatic lift and gorgeous color contrast. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can bring a little heat if you prefer some spice, and a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a smooth, fruity richness that makes the dish shine.
Side Dishes
This One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe is filling on its own but can be complemented nicely with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread is also a great idea to soak up every last bit of that savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dish in rustic bowls with a lemon wedge on the side invites a casual yet chic dining experience. You can also plate individual portions with a generous sprinkle of cheese and herbs for a restaurant-quality look that will impress guests without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a convenient and tasty next-day meal or lunch.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, allow the skillet to cool completely first. Portion the meal into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore creaminess and prevent sticking. You can also microwave in intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Freshly added lemon juice before serving will revive the bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini will work just as well; just add a minute or two to the cooking time as you simmer them in the broth.
What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?
Mild Italian sausage is ideal for balancing flavor without being too spicy, but you can swap in spicy or sweet varieties depending on your preference.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added protein, consider adding beans or a plant-based sausage alternative.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead by chopping the onion, garlic, and spinach, and even cooking the sausage in advance. Just combine and finish cooking the tortellini right before eating for the best texture.
How do I prevent the tortellini from sticking together?
Make sure to stir the tortellini gently after adding them to the broth to keep them separated, and don’t overcrowd the skillet. The broth also helps prevent sticking as it cooks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that feels both indulgent and effortlessly easy, I can’t recommend this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe enough. It’s warm, flavorful, and comes together in a flash—with minimal cleanup too. Go ahead and give it a try; your weeknight dinners will thank you for it!
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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: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender cheese tortellini cooks in a savory sausage and broth mixture, enhanced by fresh spinach, garlic, onion, and a bright hint of lemon. Finished with grated Pecorino Romano cheese, this hearty yet easy skillet dish brings comfort and zest to your table in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Skillet Ingredients
- 20 oz fresh cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons 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 cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté for about two minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the sausage and garlic: Add the ground mild Italian sausage to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until mostly browned. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer and cook tortellini: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the fresh cheese tortellini, gently nesting them into the sausage mixture. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 4 minutes or according to package instructions until the tortellini are tender.
- Add spinach and cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the baby spinach, then sprinkle the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and lemon zest over the top. Cook uncovered for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- 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 delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mild Italian sausage with spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of heat.
- If the mixture looks dry while cooking the tortellini, add additional chicken broth, a few tablespoons at a time.
- Fresh cheese tortellini is preferred for quick cooking, but frozen tortellini can also be used—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
