Cheese Tortellini with Sausage, Spinach, Tomatoes and a Cream Sauce
This cheese tortellini with sausage skillet recipe is a quick and easy dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is the perfect comforting meal for busy weeknights.
This one-skillet creamy sausage tortellini recipe is about to become your new family favorite! It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy, and ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for those hectic nights when everyone is hungry. The best part? You only need a single large skillet and simple ingredients to make this easy recipe for a cheesy tortellini dish the whole family will love!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- One-Skillet Meal: Less cleanup with everything cooked in a single pan.
- Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor – even picky eaters will love it.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to fit your family’s taste preferences.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: A hearty, satisfying meal that brings warmth to the table.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here is what you will need to make this creamy tortellini skillet:
- Ground Italian Sausage: Choose mild Italian sausage for a family-friendly option or hot for a spicy kick.
- Herbs and Spices: Minced onion and minced garlic.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, it thickens the sauce and adds creaminess.
- Chicken Broth: Adds richness to the sauce, balancing the creaminess.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes (undrained): These tomatoes add a burst of smoky flavor and vibrant color to the dish. Leaving the juice in adds extra moisture and flavor.
- Cheese Tortellini Pasta: Pre-packaged fresh tortellini or frozen tortellini works well for this pasta dish.
- Fresh Spinach (optional): This vegetable adds nutrients to the dish. It wilts quickly and has a fresh flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
Special Tools (affiliate links): Large Skillet (3.5 qt)
How to Make Creamy Tortellini with Sausage
This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for busy nights. Here is how to make it:
- Crumble Sausage & Brown: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease using a colander or slotted spoon.
- Sauté & Season: Add the minced onion and minced to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Simmer & Flavor: Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained) and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Avoid overcooking, as cooked tortellini should have a pillow-like shape and tender texture.
- Wilt the Spinach (Optional): If using baby spinach, add it at the last minute of cooking and stir until it is wilted.
- Season & Serve: Remove from heat and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with garlic bread or homemade dinner rolls for a complete meal!
Recipe Tips
- Use a Blender: Blend the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth for 30 seconds before adding to the skillet for a smoother sauce, then add to the skillet. (step 3)
- Picky Eater Tip: Blend the fire-roasted tomatoes with the creamy sauce to create a uniform texture.
- Great Way to Add More Flavor: Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, red pepper flakes, or parmesan cheese.
Storing Leftovers
- Transfer to an Airtight Container: Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Heat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 375°F until warm.
What to Serve with Tortellini and Sausage
This hearty sausage skillet dish is filling on its own, but pairs well with:
- Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls: Soft and flavorful.
- Garlic Bread: The best thing to soak up that creamy sauce!
Cheese Tortellini with Sausage, Spinach, Tomatoes and a Cream Sauce
A quick and easy one-skillet creamy tortellini recipe with Italian sausage, cheese, and a rich tomato-cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights and sure to become a family favorite!
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 14 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 19 ounces tortellini – refrigerator section of the grocery store
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves, optional
- salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease using a colander or slotted spoon.
- Add the minced onion and minced to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute.
- Lower heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. (See note below for another option)
- Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained) and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Stir in the cheese tortellini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Avoid overcooking, as cooked tortellini should have a pillow-like shape and tender texture.
- If using baby spinach, add it at the last minute of cooking and stir until it is wilted.
- Remove from heat and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with garlic bread or homemade dinner rolls for a complete meal!
Notes
- Use a Blender: Blend the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth for 30 seconds before adding to the skillet for a smoother sauce, then add to the skillet. (step 3)
- Picky Eater Tip: Blend the fire-roasted tomatoes with the creamy sauce to create a uniform texture.
- Great Way to Add More Flavor: Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, red pepper flakes, or parmesan cheese.
About Sarah
Wife. Mother. From-Scratch Cook. Homemaker.
I’m Sarah, the creator of Rocky Hedge Farm, where I share my love for simple living, homemade meals, and creating a cozy home. As a wife and mother, I’m passionate about slowing down, cooking from scratch, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life. From DIY projects and family-friendly recipes, I hope to inspire others to embrace a life rooted in simplicity and warmth.
looks devine…thank you.
Have you ever used frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini.
I made this recipe last night and it was so good! And it makes a lot if you have a big family. Had it again for lunch and it heated up great. Highly recommend!