Go Back
To make the One Pan Tortellini Sausage Skillet, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s a list to help you gather everything: - Sweet Italian sausage - Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - Fresh vegetables: - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped - Seasonings: - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking oil and garnishes: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving With these ingredients, you can create a delicious and colorful dish. Using fresh vegetables adds flavor and nutrients. The sweet Italian sausage gives it a hearty touch, while the cheese tortellini makes it fun to eat. Remember, you can adjust the spices to fit your taste. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sautéing the sausage: Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add one pound of sweet Italian sausage, removed from its casing. Use a spatula to break it up. Cook for about five to seven minutes, until it is browned and cooked through. - Adding garlic and vegetables: Next, add three cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for one minute until it smells great. Then, toss in one diced red bell pepper and one diced zucchini. Cook these for about three to four minutes until they soften a bit. - Folding in the tortellini: After the veggies soften, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, one cup of roughly chopped spinach, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for two to three minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes burst. Finally, gently fold in twelve ounces of cheese tortellini. If you're using fresh tortellini, add about a quarter cup of water to help cook it through. Cook for about five to six minutes, or according to package instructions if frozen. - How to ensure sausage is cooked through: To make sure the sausage cooks well, break it into small pieces while cooking. This helps it brown evenly. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety. - Timing for adding tortellini: Add the tortellini right after the vegetables are soft. This timing helps everything cook together for great flavor. If you are using frozen tortellini, check the package for the right cooking time. - Best ways to serve and garnish: Serve this dish hot right from the skillet. Garnish it with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a tasty finish. - Pairing options (side dishes or beverages): This skillet dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it with a light white wine or sparkling water to balance the flavors. To ensure even cooking in your skillet, start with a hot pan. Add olive oil and let it heat for a minute. This helps the sausage brown nicely. Break up the sausage into small pieces. This way, it cooks evenly throughout. When the sausage is nearly cooked, add garlic. Garlic cooks fast, so keep an eye on it. After a minute, add the red bell pepper and zucchini. Stir often for about four minutes. This softens the veggies, adding great flavor. For seasoning, taste as you go. I like to add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. If it tastes flat, add more salt or pepper. A little tweak can make a big difference. Storing leftovers properly keeps your dish fresh. Let the skillet cool down before transferring to a container. Use an airtight container for best results. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat again, reheating is easy. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help steam it. Stir often until it’s warm all the way through. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage will enhance the flavors of your dish significantly. Look for vibrant produce and good-quality Italian sausage for the best results. Cook Tortellini Separately: If using frozen tortellini, you can cook it separately according to package instructions and then add it to the skillet. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking the other ingredients. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap in other vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability. Broccoli, kale, or mushrooms are great alternatives that pair well with tortellini. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist. {{image_2}} You can swap out the sweet Italian sausage for different kinds. Chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage work great. Each option brings its own flavor. Feel free to choose what suits your taste or diet. For the tortellini, you can also try different kinds. Spinach or mushroom tortellini adds a new twist. They both offer unique flavors that elevate the dish. Experimenting with varieties can refresh this recipe. Want to make your skillet even better? Add more vegetables! Bell peppers, broccoli, or peas mix well. These add color and nutrition. They also enhance the overall taste. You can use whatever you have on hand. Cheese is another fun addition. Mixing in mozzarella or feta can change the flavor profile. A sprinkle of ricotta on top creates a creamy touch. Don’t be afraid to get creative with cheese choices! To keep your One Pan Tortellini Sausage Skillet fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it for longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe bag or container, and remove as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. When stored in the fridge, this dish lasts about three days. If you freeze it, you can keep it for up to three months. To enjoy it at its best, eat it within that time. Always check for changes in smell or texture before eating. If it doesn't look right, it's best to toss it out. Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times. Frozen tortellini will add a nice texture to your dish. How do I make this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular tortellini for gluten-free tortellini. Check the sausage label for gluten-free options. This way, everyone can enjoy it! Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the veggies and store them in the fridge. You can also cook the sausage and refrigerate it. Just combine everything when you’re ready to eat. What to do if tortellini is overcooked? If tortellini is overcooked, it might become mushy. To fix this, you can add a splash of broth or sauce to help revive the flavor. Serve it quickly to minimize the mushiness. How can I adjust the spice level? To adjust the spice level, simply alter the amount of red pepper flakes. If you want it milder, use less or skip it. For more heat, add a pinch more. You control the spice! This dish is tasty and easy to make. We covered the key ingredients like sweet sausage and cheese tortellini. I shared simple steps for preparation and cooking. You learned helpful tips for serving, storing, and variations. You can mix and match to suit your taste. Cooking is fun, so don’t hesitate to try new ingredients. Now, enjoy making this meal your own!

One Pan Tortellini Sausage Skillet

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, removed from casing
  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves
  • for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they slightly soften.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes, spinach, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes begin to burst.
  • Gently fold in the tortellini, along with any additional water if needed (about ¼ cup) to heat and cook the tortellini through, typically 5-6 minutes if using fresh, or according to package instructions if frozen.
  • Once the tortellini is cooked, remove from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Keyword one-pan meal, pasta, sausage, tortellini