Name: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 11 ounces Italian sausages; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices; 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream; Freshly grated parmesan cheese, optional, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 50 reviews

If you’re craving a quick, hearty dinner that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in one pan, you’re going to adore this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I want something comforting but fuss-free. The creamy sauce, tender tortellini, and savory sausage all mingle perfectly—trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen, too.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time and cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich, Creamy Sauce: The combination of cream and diced tomatoes creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to each tortellini.
Flavor-Packed Sausage: Using Italian sausage adds a savory depth that’s spicy or mild depending on your preference.
Fresh Spinach Boost: Adding baby spinach at the end brings freshness and nutrition without overwhelming the dish.

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet, sausage tortellini dinner, easy one-pan pasta recipe, hearty sausage skillet, quick creamy pasta - A close-up image of a cooked pasta dish in a silver pan shows three main layers. The bottom layer is pasta tortellini, small ring-shaped with light yellow color and slightly ruffled edges. The middle layer features ground meat chunks mixed with pieces of red tomato, all coated in a creamy, light brown sauce. The top layer has fresh green spinach leaves scattered throughout, adding vibrant color and texture. A woman's hand holding a silver spoon lifts a portion of the pasta, meat, tomato, and spinach mixture above the pan. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe has a role in making it taste so irresistible, yet it’s easy to find everything at your local store. Keep an eye out for good-quality Italian sausage and fresh spinach for the best results.

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet, sausage tortellini dinner, easy one-pan pasta recipe, hearty sausage skillet, quick creamy pasta - Flat lay of fresh crumbled Italian sausage meat, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced ripe tomatoes with juices, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a handful of fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini, two loosely packed cups of vibrant fresh baby spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black peppercorns, and a small mound of freshly grated parmesan cheese on a simple white ceramic dish, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Italian Sausage: Using fresh sausage meat (out of its casing) gives you that savory, spiced flavor that’s the dish’s backbone.
Garlic: Mincing fresh garlic adds aromatic warmth that enhances every bite.
Chicken Broth: Adds subtle flavor and moisture to help cook the tortellini.
Diced Tomatoes with Juices: They bring brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the cream.
Heavy/Whipping Cream: Critical for the creamy sauce—don’t swap this for milk or half-and-half or it might curdle.
Cheese Tortellini: I love fresh refrigerated tortellini for tender texture and cheesy pockets.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Added last, it wilts gently without losing its vibrant color or nutrients.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to finish off the dish and bring all the flavors forward.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional): A sprinkle on top adds a salty, nutty kick that makes the dish feel extra special.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how forgiving this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe is when it comes to customization. Whether I’m in the mood for something milder or more robust, you can easily tweak it to your taste—don’t be afraid to experiment!

Variation: Using hot Italian sausage adds a wonderful kick, which I’ve grown to appreciate for cozy fall dinners.
Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meat-free twist.
Extra Veggies: Stir in sliced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the spinach for added texture and nutrition.
Cheese Upgrade: Try mixing in shredded mozzarella or fontina for an even cheesier sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage Perfectly

First things first, remove the sausage meat from the casings and crumble it into your skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. This step builds the flavor base. If there’s a lot of fat, drain most of it but leave a little behind—it helps keep things juicy and flavorsome.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Liquids

Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juices, and cream. Stir everything to combine—you’ll start smelling that dreamy aroma right away!

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini in the Sauce

Add the cheese tortellini directly into the skillet, keeping the heat at medium. Let it cook uncovered, stirring every couple of minutes so nothing sticks. The tortellini will absorb some liquid and the starch releases during cooking helps thicken the sauce beautifully—roughly 5 to 7 minutes until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Season

Finally, stir in the fresh baby spinach. It’ll wilt in seconds, adding a gorgeous pop of green. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. I almost always finish by sprinkling fresh parmesan cheese on top—totally optional but highly recommended for that lovely savory boost.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush the Browning: Browning the sausage properly adds flavor and texture—I wait until it’s nicely caramelized before moving on.
Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh refrigerated tortellini cooks perfectly in the sauce—avoid dried, as it takes longer and changes texture.
Careful with the Cream: Add cream towards the end and keep the heat moderate to prevent curdling, especially because of the tomatoes.
Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Toss it in last and remove from heat promptly so it stays vibrant, not mushy.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet, sausage tortellini dinner, easy one-pan pasta recipe, hearty sausage skillet, quick creamy pasta - The image shows a close-up of a dish filled with multiple layers of stuffed pasta pieces that are light yellow in color with soft, slightly wrinkled edges. Mixed in between the pasta are small chunks of light brown cooked meat and scattered bright green spinach leaves that add a fresh, leafy texture. The entire dish is coated with a creamy, light orange sauce that blends smoothly with the pasta and meat, making the ingredients look moist and rich. The colors of the pasta, meat, spinach, and sauce create a warm, inviting appearance. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish this skillet meal with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper. Sometimes, I add a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley if I have it on hand—it adds a fresh, herby brightness that complements the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty filling on its own, but when I want to round it out, I serve it with a simple side salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread for extra indulgence. Roasted or steamed green beans also pair wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this recipe in individual shallow bowls and topped each with a drizzle of olive oil and extra parmesan shavings. A side of crusty artisan bread on a wooden board makes it feel special and inviting—no fancy plating needed, just warmth and good food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens up as it chills, so before reheating, I add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up to that perfect creamy consistency.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze this recipe because the creamy sauce changes texture, it can be done in a pinch—just thaw completely in the fridge overnight and add a bit of liquid when reheating to restore creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, and adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. I avoid microwaving when possible, as it can make the sauce separate or the pasta rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh for this recipe?

You can, but cooking times will be longer, and the texture will differ slightly. If you use dried tortellini, add more liquid to the skillet and cook until tender according to package instructions, then reduce the sauce down to your desired consistency.
Is there a good substitute for heavy cream in this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe?

I don’t recommend substituting heavy cream here because the tomatoes’ acidity can cause lighter dairy like milk or half-and-half to curdle. If you want a lighter option, try using a cream substitute like cashew cream or a lactose-free heavy cream alternative.
How do I make this recipe spicier?

Swapping mild Italian sausages for hot Italian sausages is the simplest way. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic or finish with a drizzle of your favorite spicy chili oil.
Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would all work well. Just add them early enough so they have time to soften before adding the tortellini.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe holds a special spot in my weekly rotation because it’s just so comforting without being complicated. It’s genuine comfort food that comes together quickly, so when life gets hectic, this is my go-to. I genuinely hope you give it a try—you’ll love how satisfying and effortless it is. Plus, it feels like you’ve treated yourself without spending hours in the kitchen, which is always a win!