Creamy Garlic Spinach Tortellini with Sausage

Creamy Garlic Spinach Tortellini with Sausage is a rich and satisfying one-pan pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. It combines cheesy tortellini, savory sausage, wilted spinach, and a luscious garlic cream sauce for a comforting meal that’s full of flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the perfect mix of convenience and decadence. You get the heartiness of Italian sausage, the richness of a garlic cream sauce, and the cheesy goodness of tortellini—all in one skillet. It’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and tastes like something you’d get at your favorite Italian restaurant. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with your favorite veggies or protein swaps.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic (minced)
• Baby spinach
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or additional Parmesan

directions

1. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage in olive oil, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Add the cooked tortellini and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley or extra cheese before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use meatless sausage or skip the meat and add mushrooms for depth.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
• Different Greens: Substitute kale or arugula for spinach.
• Pasta Swap: Use ravioli or penne instead of tortellini for a different texture.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy boost.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce and tortellini texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just cook it according to the package instructions before adding to the sauce.

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage—either mild or spicy—adds the best flavor, but chicken or turkey sausage also works.

Is this dish very heavy?

It’s creamy and hearty, but you can lighten it with less cream or use a lighter dairy option.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, just slice and heat it before adding the garlic and sauce ingredients.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or a shredded Italian blend cheese are good substitutes.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortellini and confirm that your sausage and broth are also gluten-free.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a bit longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

What can I serve with it?

Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a large skillet or Dutch oven and double all ingredients.

Is this spicy?

Only if you use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes. It can be kept mild for all palates.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Spinach Tortellini with Sausage is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or easy entertaining. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with comforting goodness—everything a great pasta night should be.

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