Get ready to be wowed by this amazing one-pot pasta dish. It’s packed with cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato sauce. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s ready in just 25 minutes.
With its mix of savory flavors and creamy sauce, this one-pot pasta will quickly become a family favorite.
Key Takeaways
- One-pot pasta dish with cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, and spinach
- Creamy tomato sauce adds rich flavor and creaminess
- Ready in just 25 minutes for a quick and easy weeknight meal
- Uses a single pan for easy cleanup
- Serves 6 with approximately 584 calories per serving
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Tortellini Recipe
This Italian Sausage Tortellini dish is perfect for quick, flavorful meals. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights. It’s also packed with comforting flavors that everyone loves.
Time-Saving Benefits
This recipe is a time-saver for families. It’s made in one pot in 25 minutes. You’ll use pre-made tortellini and sausage, so there’s no long prep time. This means you can enjoy a tasty meal with minimal cleanup.
Family-Friendly Features
The dish combines Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and creamy tomato sauce. It’s a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, fresh spinach adds a healthy touch, making it a balanced meal for the whole family.
One-Pot Convenience
The best part is cooking everything in one pot. This method saves time and makes cleanup easy. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a quick, delicious meal.
“This recipe is a lifesaver on those nights when I need to get a delicious, satisfying meal on the table quickly. The one-pot method and simple, family-friendly flavors make it a winner in my household.”
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Tortellini Dish
To make a delicious cheese tortellini dish, you need the right ingredients. Start with cheese tortellini from the fridge. They’re the base of your pasta. Then, add Italian sausage for a tasty mix of flavors.
Baby spinach adds freshness and nutrition. It wilts in the sauce nicely. Tomatoes bring juiciness. Heavy cream and chicken broth make the sauce creamy and flavorful. Garlic and Parmesan cheese add a special touch.
For more richness, you can add cream cheese and white wine. These ingredients make the sauce even better. With these ingredients, you’ll make a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini | 20 ounces |
| Italian Sausage | 1 lb |
| Baby Spinach | 6-8 ounces |
| Diced Tomatoes | 14 ounces |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken Broth | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Parmesan Cheese | As needed |
| Cream Cheese (optional) | 3 tablespoons |
| White Wine (optional) | 1/2 cup |
With these ingredients, you can make a tasty tortellini dish. It’s full of flavor and will please everyone. The mix of cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, spinach, and tomatoes in a creamy sauce is perfect for a cozy meal.
How to Choose the Best Italian Sausage for Tortellini
Choosing the right Italian sausage is key for a tasty tomato spinach tortellini dish. You can pick between sweet or hot Italian sausage, based on what you like and how spicy you want it. Jimmy Dean regular Italian sausage is a great choice, found near the bacon and breakfast sausage in stores.
Sweet vs. Hot Italian Sausage Options
For a milder taste, Johnsonville’s mild Italian sausages are perfect. They come in packs of 5, with about 3 links being just right for this recipe. If you want more heat, go for the hot Italian sausage. It adds a spicy kick to your dish.
Recommended Brands and Types
- Jimmy Dean regular Italian sausage
- Johnsonville mild Italian sausage (3 links from a 5-pack)
- Hot Italian sausage for an extra spicy touch
Choose about 11 ounces of Italian sausage for the best flavor in your tortellini. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage: Step-by-Step Instructions
Make a tasty one-pot pasta dish with our Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage recipe. It’s an Italian-inspired meal with Italian sausage, spinach, and cheese-filled tortellini in a creamy tomato sauce. Follow these steps for a delicious dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
- In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of lean Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth and 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) of diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in 1 bag (19 ounces) of frozen cheese tortellini and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Add 8 ounces of cubed cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Gently fold in 3 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves and let them wilt down in the hot liquid, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the dish with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Optional: For an extra flavor boost, deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of white wine before adding the broth and tomatoes.
Your Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage is now ready to serve! This one-pot pasta recipe takes about 25 minutes to make. It’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with your family tonight.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lean Italian Sausage | 1 pound |
| Frozen Cheese Tortellini | 1 bag (19 ounces) |
| Baby Spinach Leaves | 3 cups |
| Diced Tomatoes | 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) |
| Chicken Broth | 3 1/2 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Cream Cheese | 8 ounces, cubed |
| Shredded Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup |
By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage dish. It’s perfect for a pasta cooking instructions, one-pot pasta method, or easy dinner recipe. Enjoy the flavors of Italy in this comforting and flavorful one-pot pasta method that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Creating the Perfect Creamy Tomato Sauce
Making the perfect creamy tomato sauce is key to a great Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage dish. The sauce should be creamy and rich, matching the tender tortellini and savory sausage. We’ll focus on the sauce’s base and how thick it should be.
Sauce Base Components
The sauce starts with heavy cream, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. We add white wine for extra flavor. Butter, flour, and tomato paste thicken it, making it luxurious. A bit of cream cheese adds creaminess.
Achieving the Right Consistency
As the pasta cooks, the sauce simmers and thickens. Adding Parmesan cheese makes it velvety and clingy. For easy measuring, use Mutti Tomato Paste tubes.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/3 cup |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 (14.5 ounce) can |
| White wine (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Cream cheese | 4 ounces |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
By following these steps, you’ll make a creamy pasta sauce, tomato cream sauce, and homemade pasta sauce. Your Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage will taste amazing.
Tips for Cooking Tortellini to Perfection
Creating a delicious One Pot Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage starts with cooking the tortellini right. Here are some tips to get your tortellini al dente and perfectly mixed into the creamy tomato sauce:
- Cook the tortellini directly in the sauce for 5-7 minutes. This method allows the pasta to release its starch, naturally thickening the sauce for a richer, more cohesive texture.
- Stir the tortellini occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking. Gently tossing the pasta helps it cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Resist the urge to overcook the tortellini. Maintain that signature al dente bite by removing the pan from the heat once the pasta reaches your desired doneness, usually around 5-7 minutes of simmering.
- If you don’t have tortellini on hand, you can substitute other short, ridged pasta shapes like mezzi rigatoni, medium shells, rotini, or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to serving up a perfectly cooked One Pot Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Incorporating Fresh Spinach: Timing and Technique
Make your Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage even better by adding fresh spinach. It’s important to add the spinach at the right time. This way, it wilts gently and adds flavor and nutrition to the dish.
Benefits of Adding Fresh Spinach
Spinach is full of nutrients that can make any pasta dish better. It adds color and boosts the meal’s nutritional value. With vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, spinach balances the creamy tomato sauce and savory sausage.
Proper Wilting Methods
- Add 2-3 cups of packed baby spinach (or up to 4 oz) to the skillet during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Gently stir the spinach into the hot pasta and sauce, allowing it to wilt down to the perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the spinach, as it can become limp and lose its vibrant green color.
To get perfectly wilted spinach, add it at the end of cooking. This way, it softens and blends well with the dish. This method keeps the spinach’s nutrients and adds a fresh touch to your Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage.
Wine Pairing and Substitution Options
Pairing your One Pot Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage can be fun. A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano is a great choice. These wines have balanced acidity and fruit notes that match the tomato sauce’s richness.
For a lighter taste, try a crisp white wine. Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc are good picks. Their acidity and citrus or herbal notes refresh the dish.
Want to skip the wine? Use a non-alcoholic white wine or more chicken broth. This keeps the tortellini moist and the sauce right.
Wine Pairing Recommendations
- Chianti or Montepulciano (medium-bodied red wine)
- Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc (crisp white wine)
- Non-alcoholic white wine or increased chicken broth (for non-alcoholic substitution)
Choosing a wine is all about what you like and what flavors you want to bring out. Try different wines to find the best match for your One Pot Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage.
Customizing Your Dish with Additional Ingredients
Cooking lets you make dishes your own. This One Pot Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage recipe is a great example. You can try new things to make it special.
Cheese Variations
Adding different cheeses can make the sauce creamier. Mozzarella melts well, and fontina adds a nice texture. Don’t forget to sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for extra flavor.
Herb Enhancement Options
Fresh herbs can change a dish a lot. Try adding chopped basil, oregano, or parsley for a fresh taste. For a deeper flavor, use dried thyme or rosemary.
Adding sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts can also enhance the dish. They add texture and sweetness. A bit of red pepper flakes or lemon zest can add heat or brightness.
This One Pot Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage recipe is very flexible. By trying different cheeses, herbs, and ingredients, you can make it your own. It’s a fun way to customize your pasta dishes.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage later. Follow these simple steps to keep your pasta dishes tasty and fresh.
Storing Leftover Pasta
Put leftover tortellini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the sauce creamy and the pasta moist. Don’t freeze it, as the sauce and tortellini might not stay the same after thawing.
Reheating the Dish
To reheat, use a makeshift double boiler on the stovetop. Warm the pasta slowly, adding cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy. You can also use the ‘melt’ setting on your microwave, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring often.
For meal prep, store tortellini in individual portions in the fridge. This makes it easy to reheat pasta dishes whenever you want. Just follow the same reheating tips to enjoy your leftover pasta storage all week.
“Proper storage and reheating techniques are key to enjoying your favorite pasta dishes long after the initial meal.”
Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Information
This One Pot Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage dish is not just tasty. It also gives you a nutritional boost. Each serving has about 584 calories, 40g of carbs, 18g of protein, and 38g of fat. It’s a balanced and filling meal.
Spinach and tomatoes are key ingredients. They give you lots of vitamins and minerals. You get 202mg of calcium and 3mg of iron, which are good for bones and blood. The dish also has Vitamin A (1935 IU) and Vitamin C (14.8mg), helping your vision and immune system.
Want a lighter version? Try using chicken sausage or add more veggies. This dish fits well into a balanced meal plan. It’s great for health-conscious people and families.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 584 | – |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | – |
| Protein | 18g | – |
| Fat | 38g | – |
| Calcium | 202mg | 20% |
| Iron | 3mg | 15% |
| Vitamin A | 1935 IU | 39% |
| Vitamin C | 14.8mg | 25% |
This protein-rich pasta dish is not just tasty. It also boosts your nutrition. It’s a great meal idea for a healthy lifestyle. The mix of pasta nutritional value and spinach and tomatoes makes it a delicious and healthy dish for the whole family.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings
When you serve the One Pot Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage, think about adding some pasta side dishes and Italian dinner ideas. This will make your meal complete. You can choose from garlic bread to fresh salads. The choices are endless.
A simple green salad or a Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is a great start. You can also add roasted broccoli, zucchini, or sautéed spinach. A light soup like minestrone can add a hearty touch to your meal.
Remember to garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. This will make your dish look and taste even better.
| Side Dish Idea | Dish Type | Preparation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | Bread | Baked |
| Italian Chopped Salad | Salad | Tossed |
| Arugula Salad | Salad | Tossed |
| Radicchio Salad | Salad | Tossed |
| Sautéed Spinach | Vegetable | Sautéed |
| Tomato Cucumber Salad | Salad | Tossed |
| Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad | Salad | Tossed |
| Grilled Bell Peppers | Vegetable | Grilled |
Exploring pasta side dishes and Italian dinner ideas can help you plan a complete meal. You can choose based on what you like and what you need. This way, you can make sure your meal is both satisfying and beautiful.
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
Making a tasty pasta dish can be fun, but mistakes can ruin it. Chefs like Kevin McAllister and John Underbrink say common errors include overcooking or undercooking tortellini. Also, problems with sauce consistency and wrong ingredient substitutions can happen. Knowing these mistakes helps make your Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage perfect every time.
Cooking the tortellini just right is key. It should have a bit of firmness, or al dente. McAllister says using high heat can change cooking times. Stirring the pasta while it cooks also prevents clumping, especially with long shapes.
Be careful with the sauce. Don’t swap heavy cream for milk or half-and-half, as it might curdle. Chef Jose Torres also advises against too much salt in the pasta water. The sausage and Parmesan cheese add enough flavor. To get the sauce right, save some pasta water to thin it out if needed.
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overcooking or undercooking tortellini | Cook pasta to al dente texture, adjusting time for high elevations |
| Substituting heavy cream with milk or half-and-half | Use heavy cream to avoid curdling |
| Oversalting the pasta water | Add salt judiciously, as the sausage and Parmesan contribute saltiness |
| Using pre-grated Parmesan cheese | Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and texture |
| Skipping the spinach wilting step | Wilt the spinach properly to ensure even distribution and texture |
By avoiding these common pasta cooking tips, sauce consistency issues, and ingredient substitution mistakes, you can make your Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage even better. It will taste and feel amazing.
Conclusion
This One Pot Tomato Spinach Tortellini with Sausage is a great choice for easy weeknight dinners. It’s quick to make, with a 25-minute cooking time. It also has rich Italian flavors, making it perfect for family-friendly pasta.
The recipe is easy to customize, so it can become a favorite in your home. This dish is also easy to clean up, thanks to its one-pot nature. It’s ideal for busy weeknights.
This recipe combines savory sausage, juicy tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s a flavorful and nutritious meal that everyone will love. Try this Italian-inspired dish and enjoy the convenience and taste of a one-pot wonder.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this one-pot tomato spinach tortellini with sausage dish?
The main ingredients are cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, and fresh baby spinach. You’ll also need diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Can I use different types of Italian sausage in this recipe?
Yes, you can pick between sweet or hot Italian sausage. Jimmy Dean regular sausage or Johnsonville mild Italian sausages are good choices. Hot Italian sausages add extra heat.
How do I cook the tortellini in this dish?
Cook the tortellini in the sauce for 5-7 minutes until al dente. This method thickens the sauce naturally. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and avoid overcooking.
When should I add the spinach to the dish?
Add 2-3 cups of packed baby spinach (or up to 4 oz) at the end of cooking. Let it wilt for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently. Spinach adds nutritional value, color, and freshness.
What type of wine can I use for cooking and pairing with this dish?
Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc are good wines for cooking and pairing. Non-alcoholic white wine can be used as a substitute. Choose a medium-bodied red or a crisp white wine to complement the sauce.
Can I customize this dish with additional ingredients?
Yes, you can try different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina. Add fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley for extra flavor. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for variety.
How do I store and reheat leftover tomato spinach tortellini with sausage?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat using the ‘melt’ setting on a microwave or at 50% power. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture.
What are the nutritional benefits of this dish?
Each serving has about 584 calories, 40g carbohydrates, 18g protein, and 38g fat. It provides vitamins and minerals from spinach and tomatoes. It’s also high in calcium and iron per serving. For a lighter version, use chicken sausage or add more vegetables.
