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- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed) - 1 medium onion, 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 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This will make it easier to follow each step. The mix of cheese tortellini and Italian sausage gives this dish its rich flavor. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and spinach add bright colors and nutrients. The spices and herbs are key to bringing out the taste. They help create a warm, comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. Don’t forget the Parmesan cheese; it adds a lovely touch at the end. Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish. They bring extra flavor and make your dish look beautiful. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. - Add 1 pound of Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned. If there's excess grease, remove it. - Next, introduce 1 medium diced onion and 1 diced red bell pepper to the pan. - Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. The peppers should be softened too. - Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. - Add 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and optional ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer. - Once it simmers, add 12 oz of cheese tortellini to the pan. Stir well to combine. - Cover the skillet and cook the tortellini for 8-10 minutes, according to package instructions. - When the tortellini are cooked through, gently fold in 2 cups of baby spinach. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts. - If you like, sprinkle with ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Best way to cook sausage for optimal flavor: Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown and is fully cooked. This step brings out the rich flavors of the sausage. Removing any extra grease can help keep the dish light. How to achieve perfectly tender tortellini: When adding tortellini to the pan, stir it well in the sauce. Cover the pan and let it cook for 8-10 minutes. Follow the package instructions for the best results. This method ensures that the tortellini absorb the sauce flavor while cooking. Creative presentation options for serving One Pan Tortellini with Sausage: Serve the dish directly from the pan for a rustic look. You can add fresh basil leaves on top for color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese makes it even more appealing. Ideal side dishes and pairings to complement the recipe: Pair this dish with a light salad or crusty bread. A glass of white wine can enhance the meal. These options balance the flavors and round out the dining experience. Overcooking tortellini: One common mistake is cooking tortellini too long. This can make them mushy. Keep an eye on the cooking time and taste them to check for doneness. Not properly seasoning the dish: Another mistake is forgetting to season. Always taste the dish before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking. Proper seasoning brings all the flavors together. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage to enhance the flavors of the dish. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference; omit them for a milder dish. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prep; simply store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat for a quick meal. Experiment with Greens: Feel free to substitute or add other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch the sausage for chicken or turkey sausage. These options are leaner and still tasty. If you want a meatless meal, try plant-based sausage or legumes like chickpeas. They add protein and flavor without meat. Both choices keep the dish fun and healthy. Feel free to toss in more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. These add texture and nutrients. You can also swap in seasonal vegetables for fresh flavors. Think bell peppers in summer or root veggies in winter. This way, every meal feels unique and bright. Mix in different herbs or spices to change the flavor. For example, add thyme or rosemary for a new twist. You can also try adding a splash of cream or different cheeses. Creamy versions can be rich and comforting. Experiment with what you like best to create your own signature dish! To keep your One Pan Tortellini with Sausage fresh, store leftovers right away. Use airtight containers for the best results. This dish stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down first before sealing. You can place it in glass or plastic containers. You can also use freezer bags if you prefer. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Divide the dish into meal-sized portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Label each bag with the date, so you remember when you froze it. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. For reheating, move the dish to the fridge to thaw overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave. To heat up your One Pan Tortellini with Sausage, you have a few options. The stovetop method keeps the texture nice. Just add a splash of water or broth to the pan, and heat it over low heat. Stir occasionally to warm it evenly. If you use a microwave, place the dish in a microwave-safe container. Cover it to avoid drying out. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Both methods work well, so choose what fits your time best. Cooking tortellini usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. You want them tender but not mushy. Yes, frozen tortellini works great! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. They will cook well in the same sauce. You can use chicken or turkey sausage. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based sausage or even beans. Both will add flavor. Absolutely! One Pan Tortellini with Sausage stores well. You can make it ahead and reheat for quick meals. Just keep it in an airtight container. Yes, use gluten-free tortellini. Many stores offer this option. Check the ingredients to ensure they are safe for your diet. To change the heat, use more or fewer red pepper flakes. You can also choose spicy sausage for extra kick. Adjust to your taste! This article outlines how to prepare a delicious One Pan Tortellini with Sausage. We covered main and additional ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to avoid common mistakes. You learned about variations for proteins, vegetables, and flavor enhancements. Lastly, we discussed storage and reheating methods. Now, you have everything you need to create this tasty dish. Enjoy the cooking process and share your results!

One Pan Tortellini Delight with Sausage

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease if necessary.
  • To the same pan, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the peppers have softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice), chicken broth, dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Once simmering, add the tortellini to the pan. Stir to combine, and cover the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the tortellini are cooked through and tender.
  • Gently fold in the baby spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  • If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Serve directly from the pan for a rustic look, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Keyword one pan, pasta, sausage, tortellini