Let me introduce you to a true gem of a dinner, the One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a culinary embrace that promises comfort with every bite. Embrace the symphony of flavors where sausage meets cheese tortellini in a delightful sauté of garlic, onions, and fresh greens—all in a single, easy-to-clean skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Cleanup: With only one pan to wash, you can spend less time cleaning and more time doing what you love.
- Flavorsome Combination: The blend of zesty lemon, hearty sausage, and melting cheese tortellini creates a taste bud delight.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap ingredients to suit what’s available in your pantry or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this wonderful One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each plays a pivotal role, making every bite a thrill of flavors and textures.
- Fresh Cheese Tortellini: These little pockets of joy bring delightful cheesy goodness to your dish.
- Ground Mild Italian Sausage: Opt for quality sausage, as it sets the meaty, savory tone of the meal.
- Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil is crucial for sautéing and flavor enhancement.
- Red Onion: Provides sweetness and color, balancing the robust flavors of the sausage.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced and aromatic, garlic elevates the depth of taste.
- Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of green, complementing the richness of the dish.
- Chicken Broth: A savory base that helps the tortellini cook perfectly.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano: For the ultimate cheesy finish.
- Lemon: Zest and juice add brightness, tying all elements together with a hint of acidity.
Variations
This recipe is a blank canvas waiting for your creative touch. Don’t hesitate to customize your One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner based on what you have or crave.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the sausage for mushrooms or bell peppers for an equally satisfying vegetarian option.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to bring some heat to your skillet.
- Different Greens: Try kale or arugula instead of spinach for different textures and nutritional boosts.
How to Make One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onions. Sauté them until they’re translucent and fragrant, setting a savory base for your dish.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Add the minced garlic and sausage to the skillet. Break the sausage down with a spatula, cooking until it loses most of its pink hue. This takes about 5 minutes, infusing garlic and onion goodness into every bite.
Step 3: Simmer with Tortellini
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir in the tortellini. Nestle the pasta in with the sausage and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet to let the tortellini steam to tenderness, typically around 4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Greens and Cheese
Uncover the skillet and stir in your spinach and cheese. Let them meld into the dish for an additional minute or two, allowing the spinach to wilt beautifully.
Step 5: Final Touches
Off heat, add fresh lemon juice, a pinch of cracked black pepper, and more grated cheese if desired. These finishing touches bring brightness and a little zing to your skillet dinner.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner
- Sauté Time Savvy: Ensure the onions are fully softened before adding garlic for the best flavor base.
- Broth Balance: Use a little more broth if your tortellini seems a bit dry—this keeps everything lush and saucy.
- Cheese Choice: Feel free to swap between Pecorino Romano and Parmesan based on your preference for a sharp or mild finish.
- Lemony Lift: The zest adds a fragrant pop, but don’t skip the juice for that essential citrusy brightness.
How to Serve One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner
Garnishes
Top your One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner with freshly grated cheese, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, or a dash of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and color.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a light side salad or simple roasted vegetables. A classic garlic bread is also a perfect companion to scoop up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation, or plate individual servings with a lemon wedge and a sprig of basil for an elegant dinner party vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a delightful meal to enjoy later.
Freezing
This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the delicate nature of tortellini, but if you must, freeze in a shallow container, defrosting thoroughly before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the meal to a skillet over medium heat. Add a little broth if needed and slowly warm through, stirring until heated all the way. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the tortellini tough.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure your tortellini are fully cooked and tender.
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What sausage is best for this recipe?
Opt for a mild Italian sausage, though spicy or sweet variations can also work depending on your preference.
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Is there a non-pork substitute for sausage?
Sure! Turkey or chicken sausage are great alternatives that deliver similar flavors with leaner protein.
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Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, incorporating bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms will not only complement the dish but also add nutritional value.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner as much as I enjoy sharing it with you. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and let this delicious, no-fuss dinner become a new family favorite!
PrintOne-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This one-pan tortellini and sausage skillet is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that requires minimal cleanup. Filled with tender tortellini, savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and bright lemon zest, it combines hearty comfort with fresh brightness, all cooked in a single skillet for convenience.
Ingredients
For the main ingredients
- 20 oz fresh cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
- 2 TBSP 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
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the onions: Add the diced red onion and cook for about two minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and sausage: Stir in minced garlic and the sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the sausage is mostly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add broth and tortellini: Pour in the chicken broth and gently nestle the tortellini into the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the broth.
- Simmer and steam: Bring the broth to a gentle simmer, then lower heat, cover the skillet, and cook for 4 minutes, or as directed on the tortellini packaging, until tortellini are tender.
- Add greens and cheese: Remove the lid, stir in spinach, grated cheese, and lemon zest. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Finish with lemon juice and serve: Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, season with cracked black pepper and additional cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid.
- Use fresh cheese tortellini for best flavor and texture.
- Can be customized with other greens like arugula or kale.
- Swiper tip: For a touch of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes with the sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg