When you search for “Super Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes,” this Sausage & Tortellini Skillet is the gold standard. It is a complete meal—protein, carbs, and veggies—cooked in a single pan in under 30 minutes. The magic lies in using refrigerated cheese tortellini, which cooks in minutes directly in the sauce, eliminating the need for a separate pot of boiling water.
This dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. The savory Italian sausage flavors the entire dish, while the tomato sauce and a splash of cream create a rich, comforting gravy that clings to the pasta. It’s hearty, delicious, and leaves you with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Cleanup
By browning the meat and simmering the pasta in the same skillet, you save time and effort. Plus, the starch from the pasta releases into the sauce, acting as a natural thickener and binding the flavors together beautifully.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
Who doesn’t love cheese pasta and sausage? It’s a family-friendly flavor profile that feels indulgent but is packed with hidden spinach for a nutritional boost. It’s comforting without being complicated.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or sweet)
- 1 pack (20oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 jar (24oz) marinara sauce
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 0.5 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 whole onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Brown sausage and onion in a large skillet. Drain fat.
- Add garlic, marinara, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add tortellini. Cover and simmer 5-7 mins.
- Stir in spinach and cream. Top with mozzarella.
- Cover until cheese melts. Serve hot.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Italian Sausage: Mild or sweet, casings removed. This provides the main seasoning.
Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Found in the deli section. Dried tortellini takes longer and absorbs more liquid, so stick to fresh/refrigerated.
Marinara Sauce: A jar of your favorite sauce makes this incredibly fast.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts down instantly, adding color and vitamins.
Cream: A splash of heavy cream or half-and-half turns a simple red sauce into a creamy rose sauce.
Mozzarella: For the cheesy finish.
Smart Substitutions
For a lighter meal, use turkey sausage or chicken sausage. You can swap tortellini for ravioli. To make it dairy-free, omit the cream and cheese; the tomato-sausage base is delicious on its own. Zucchini or bell peppers can be sautéed with the onions for extra veggies.
For more simple dinner inspiration, check out this Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies recipe for another hands-off option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Remove sausage from casings. Dice an onion and mince garlic.
Cooking Phase
Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
The Simmer: Add the refrigerated tortellini to the skillet. Ensure they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt (1-2 minutes).
Stir in the cream. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese. Cover for 2 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Don’t Overcook: Refrigerated pasta cooks very fast. Taste a tortellini at the 5-minute mark. If you overcook them, they will puff up and fall apart in the sauce.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick while the pasta cooks, splash in a little more water or broth to loosen it up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using dried tortellini without adjusting liquid. Dried pasta absorbs significantly more water. If using dried, you will need more broth and a longer simmer time (15+ mins).
| Metric | This Recipe | Traditional Boil |
|---|---|---|
| Dishes | 1 Skillet | 2 Pots + Colander |
| Time | 20 Mins | 40 Mins |
| Flavor | Integrated | Separated |
| Texture | Saucy/Creamy | Standard |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic feel. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Pairing Suggestions
Garlic bread is essential for mopping up the creamy tomato sauce. A simple green salad provides a crisp contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this?
Pasta can get mushy when frozen in sauce. It’s better to store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is it spicy?
Only if you use hot sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Can I use beef?
Yes, ground beef works, but you may want to add extra Italian seasoning and fennel seeds to mimic the sausage flavor.
Conclusion
This Sausage & Tortellini Skillet is the definition of a “Super Quick & Easy” dinner. It delivers maximum comfort with minimum effort, proving that homemade meals are possible even on the busiest nights.
