One Pan Tortellini Delight with Sausage

$- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups baby spinach - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To create a hearty one pan tortellini with sausage, gather these simple ingredients. The cheese tortellini adds a touch of creaminess. You can choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. The diced onion and red bell pepper bring color and sweetness to the dish. For the seasonings, garlic, dried oregano, and basil give it that classic Italian flavor. Adding red pepper flakes can spice things up if you like heat. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, for that finishing touch, consider garnishing your dish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. This adds both flavor and a nice visual appeal. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add one pound of Italian sausage to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into small pieces. Cook for about five to seven minutes. You want the sausage to brown and cook all the way through. If there is excess grease, carefully drain it from the pan. Next, add one medium onion, finely diced, and one diced red bell pepper to the pan. Stir them in with the sausage. Cook for about five minutes. The onion should turn clear, and the bell pepper should get soft. After that, add two minced cloves of garlic. Sauté for one more minute, until the garlic smells good. Now, it’s time to mix in more ingredients. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes, with all the juice, and one cup of chicken broth. Add one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of dried basil, and a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, carefully add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini to the pan. Make sure they are submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook for eight to ten minutes, or follow the tortellini package instructions. They should be tender and fully cooked. After the tortellini are cooked, gently fold in two cups of baby spinach. Cook for one to two minutes until the spinach is bright green and wilted. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. - Ensuring the sausage is fully browned: Start by heating olive oil in your pan. Add the sausage and break it apart. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a nice, brown color. This adds flavor and texture to your dish. - Tips for cooking tortellini perfectly: When adding tortellini, make sure the liquid is simmering. This helps them cook evenly. Follow the package instructions for timing. You want them soft but not mushy. - Suggested additions for extra flavor: You can add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra punch. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also enhance the taste. These small changes make a big difference. - Using fresh herbs vs dried: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley give a bright taste. If you use dried herbs, remember they are more potent. Use less than you would of fresh. Both options can elevate your dish. - Serving directly from the pan: Keep it simple by serving from the pan. This makes for a rustic and inviting meal. It saves on dishes and adds a homey feel. - Creative garnishing tips: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top makes it look fancy. Add fresh basil leaves for color. You can even drizzle some olive oil over the top for a touch of elegance. Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage: Select between mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference. Spicy sausage will add a nice kick to the dish! Fresh vs. Frozen Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen, so adjust your cooking time accordingly if using frozen to ensure perfect texture. Boost the Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of white wine when sautéing the sausage and vegetables. Let it reduce before adding other ingredients. Perfectly Wilted Spinach: Add the spinach at the end of cooking to keep it vibrant and prevent it from overcooking, ensuring it retains its nutrients and color. {{image_4}} You can switch up the proteins in this dish. Chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausage work well. Each alternative brings a new flavor and texture. For veggies, try adding zucchini or mushrooms. These choices add depth and nutrients. You can mix and match to suit your taste. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer this choice now. For a dairy-free version, simply skip the cheese. You can still enjoy a tasty dish without it. Use plant-based cheese if you want a similar flavor and texture. Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes to spice things up. Adjust the amount based on your preference. You can also try different herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a nice twist. Experiment with spices to find what you love best. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down first. Place it in the fridge within two hours. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When ready to eat, check for any off smells or changes in texture. To freeze this meal, use a freezer-safe container. Ensure it cools completely before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. Label the container with the date. For best results, avoid freezing the tortellini if it's cooked to al dente. This helps keep its texture. For reheating, you have two main options: microwave or stovetop. - Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. - Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir until heated through, about 5 minutes. Choose the method that works best for you! You can use either fresh or frozen tortellini. Fresh tortellini cooks faster, taking about 3-5 minutes. Frozen tortellini usually needs 8-10 minutes to cook. Both options are tasty, so choose what you prefer. Fresh gives a softer bite, while frozen offers convenience. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can cook it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just let it cool before putting it in an airtight container. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or use mushrooms for a meaty texture. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Adjust the seasonings to keep the flavor rich and delicious. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal! This blog post covered how to make a delicious tortellini dish. We explored key ingredients like cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, and fresh veggies. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips for a great flavor. We also considered various ingredient substitutions and storage options. Making this dish gives you room to customize and enjoy. There’s no wrong way to create your perfect bowl of tortellini. Use these ideas to make it your own!$

One Pan Tortellini Delight with Sausage

A delicious one-pan meal featuring cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper diced
2 cups baby spinach
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
to garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large skillet or sauté pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
Add the Italian sausage to the pan, using a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally. Carefully drain any excess grease if needed.
To the same pan, introduce the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper is tender.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with all its juice), chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Once simmering, carefully add the tortellini to the pan, mixing gently to ensure they are submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes (or according to the instructions on the tortellini package) until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
After the tortellini are cooked, gently fold in the baby spinach, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach is just wilted and bright green.
If desired, generously sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for extra flavor.

Notes

For a rustic and inviting presentation, serve the dish directly from the pan and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Keyword easy meal, one pan, pasta, sausage, tortellini