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Creamy Tuscan Sausage and Tortellini Skillet

Creamy Tuscan Sausage and Tortellini Skillet - featured image
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A rich, comforting one-pan pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a velvety cream sauce. This easy weeknight dinner balances savory and tangy flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed if using links
  • 10 oz cheese-filled or meat-filled tortellini (fresh or dried)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained, chopped)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage meat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine with the sausage and tomato bits. Let it simmer gently for 3 minutes until small bubbles form around the edges.
  4. Add the tortellini to the sauce. If using dried tortellini, ensure there is enough liquid. Stir well to coat every piece. Cover and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove the lid. Add the fresh spinach on top. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir until wilted and bright green.
  6. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt it into the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Serve immediately, ladling into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Do not substitute heavy cream with milk for the best texture. If using dried tortellini, boil separately and add to sauce with extra broth. To prevent sauce separation, keep heat low when adding cream and do not boil vigorously. For a lighter version, swap half the cream for chicken broth or use turkey sausage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan sausage, tortellini skillet, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, one pan meal, Italian sausage recipe, sun-dried tomato pasta

Find it online: https://miratable.com/creamy-tuscan-sausage-and-tortellini-skillet-best-easy-dinner/