Easy Sausage and Tortellini Recipe in 20 Minutes | One-Pan Meal

By Maya Gonzalez
Easy Sausage and Tortellini Recipe in 20 Minutes | One-Pan Meal
This sausage and tortellini recipe combines Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato-cream sauce for a complete one-pan meal ready in just 20 minutes. The perfect weeknight dinner requires only 7 simple ingredients including 1 lb Italian sausage, 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini, 1 can (24 oz) crushed tomatoes, ½ cup heavy cream, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, and fresh basil for garnish. Cook sausage first, add tomatoes and simmer, then stir in tortellini and cream for an effortless family-friendly meal.

Looking for a quick dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss? This sausage and tortellini recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of savory Italian sausage and pillowy cheese tortellini in a creamy tomato sauce creates a balanced meal that satisfies without overwhelming your schedule.

Why This Sausage Tortellini Dinner Works

The magic of this quick sausage and tortellini recipe lies in its smart layering of flavors and textures. Italian sausage provides a robust foundation while the cheese tortellini melts into the sauce, creating an automatic creaminess without excessive dairy. Unlike many one-pot pasta recipes, this version maintains perfect tortellini texture because you add them at precisely the right moment in the cooking process.

Complete Ingredient List

For the best results with this easy sausage tortellini dinner, gather these ingredients:

Ingredient Amount Substitution Options
Italian sausage 1 lb (mild or hot) Ground turkey sausage, plant-based sausage
Cheese tortellini 9 oz package (fresh or frozen) Spinach tortellini, meat tortellini
Crushed tomatoes 24 oz can Diced tomatoes (slightly chunkier)
Heavy cream ½ cup Half-and-half, coconut cream (dairy-free)
Garlic 2 cloves, minced 1 tsp garlic powder
Olive oil 2 tbsp Avocado oil
Fresh basil ¼ cup, chopped 1 tsp dried oregano

Essential Equipment

You'll need just a few basic kitchen tools for this one-pan sausage tortellini meal:

  • 12-inch skillet with lid (cast iron or non-stick)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Garlic press (optional but helpful)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Sausage Base

  1. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with your spoon.
  3. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through.
  4. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.

Building the Sauce

  1. Add minced garlic to the sausage fat and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in crushed tomatoes and return the sausage to the pan.
  3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add tortellini in a single layer.

Finishing the Dish

  1. Pour heavy cream over the tortellini and stir gently to combine.
  2. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes (fresh tortellini) or 8-10 minutes (frozen).
  3. Check tortellini for doneness—they should float and feel tender.
  4. Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Professional Cooking Tips

Master this quick sausage and tortellini dinner with these chef-recommended techniques:

  • Don't overcook the sausage initially—it will finish cooking in the sauce.
  • Use fresh tortellini when possible for best texture; frozen works but needs extra cooking time.
  • Add cream off-heat to prevent curdling—remove from burner before stirring in dairy.
  • Reserve pasta water if sauce thickens too much; a splash helps maintain ideal consistency.
  • Let it rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking—the sauce will thicken perfectly during this time.

Serving Suggestions for Your Sausage Tortellini

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with:

  • A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce
  • Grated Parmesan cheese on top
  • A light Pinot Grigio or Chianti

For family meals, serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation. This one-pan sausage tortellini dinner makes an impressive date night meal when plated with fresh basil garnish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently:

  • Stovetop method: Warm over low heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
  • Microsecond method: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that tortellini may become slightly softer after freezing.

Recipe Variations to Try

Customize this easy sausage tortellini dinner to suit different preferences:

  • Vegetarian version: Substitute plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of sausage drippings.
  • Spicy kick: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes with the garlic for heat lovers.
  • Creamier texture: Increase cream to ¾ cup and add 2 oz cream cheese.
  • Extra vegetables: Stir in 1 cup spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure sausage is GF certified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini in this sausage tortellini recipe?

Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this one-pan sausage tortellini meal. Simply add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time and ensure the tortellini are fully submerged in the sauce. Do not thaw before adding to prevent sticking.

How can I prevent my tortellini from becoming mushy?

To maintain perfect tortellini texture in your sausage tortellini dinner, add them to simmering (not boiling) sauce, cover immediately, and avoid stirring until nearly done. Fresh tortellini typically needs just 5-7 minutes while frozen requires 8-10 minutes. The pasta continues cooking off-heat, so remove from burner when slightly al dente.

What's the best type of sausage for tortellini?

Italian sausage provides the ideal flavor profile for this sausage and tortellini recipe. Mild Italian sausage offers balanced seasoning while hot Italian adds a spicy kick. For a richer flavor, use a combination of sweet and hot varieties. Avoid heavily smoked sausages as they can overpower the delicate cheese filling in tortellini.

Can I make this sausage tortellini recipe ahead of time?

While this quick sausage tortellini dinner is best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead. Brown the sausage and make the tomato base up to 2 days in advance, then refrigerate separately from uncooked tortellini. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add tortellini, and finish with cream. This maintains optimal texture compared to fully assembling ahead.

How do I make this sausage and tortellini dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free sausage tortellini recipe, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free tortellini (check labels carefully). Add 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast to mimic cheesy notes. Choose plant-based Italian sausage to complete the dairy-free version while maintaining the authentic flavor profile.

Maya Gonzalez

Maya Gonzalez

A Latin American cuisine specialist who has spent a decade researching indigenous spice traditions from Mexico to Argentina. Maya's field research has taken her from remote Andean villages to the coastal communities of Brazil, documenting how pre-Columbian spice traditions merged with European, African, and Asian influences. Her expertise in chili varieties is unparalleled - she can identify over 60 types by appearance, aroma, and heat patterns. Maya excels at explaining the historical and cultural significance behind signature Latin American spice blends like recado rojo and epazote combinations. Her hands-on demonstrations show how traditional preparation methods like dry toasting and stone grinding enhance flavor profiles. Maya is particularly passionate about preserving endangered varieties of local Latin American spices and the traditional knowledge associated with their use.