Description
Creamy Tortellini with Sausage is a rich, comforting pasta dish featuring cheese tortellini tossed in a savory cream sauce with Italian sausage and spinach—perfect for a quick yet indulgent weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped onion to the same skillet and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked tortellini and spinach to the sauce. Toss gently until pasta is coated and spinach is wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick or turkey sausage for a lighter dish.
- Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add mushrooms or roasted peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—reheat gently and add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.