This creamy sausage tortellini is a warm and comforting dish. With tasty sausage, fresh spinach, and ripe tomatoes, it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Who can resist that creamy goodness? I love how the colors pop, making it look as good as it tastes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something quick yet delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the heart of the dish. You can use mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference. If you need a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too. For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based sausage.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini gives this dish a creamy feel, but you could substitute with any other filled pasta like ravioli or use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half. Alternatively, coconut cream offers a dairy-free option, though it will change the flavor a bit.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrition and color. Frozen spinach can be a good substitute; just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Sausage Without It Sticking?
Cooking sausage can be a little tricky if you want it to brown nicely without sticking. Here’s a quick guide:
- Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for better results.
- Start with medium heat and add olive oil before putting in the sausage.
- Let the sausage cook without stirring for a few minutes to develop a nice brown crust.
- Break it up only after the bottom is nicely browned—this will give it great flavor and texture!
How Can I Ensure My Sauce is Creamy?
To achieve that perfect creaminess in your sauce, follow these tips:
- After adding the heavy cream, allow it to simmer gently without boiling to prevent curdling.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese once the cream is heated through for an extra creamy texture.
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can always thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or pasta cooking water.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini with Spinach and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 package (9 oz/250g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep work and about 20 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set them aside for now.
2. Cook the Sausage:
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, and let it brown until fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s nicely browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Make sure not to burn the garlic!
4. Add Tomatoes:
Now, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften and release some juices.
5. Deglaze with Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits left in the skillet—these add delicious flavor!
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on it to avoid boiling.
7. Add Sausage and Spinach:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet along with the fresh spinach. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the spinach wilts down completely.
8. Finish with Cheese:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and you have a creamy sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if you like a little heat.
9. Combine with Tortellini:
Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta in that lovely creamy sauce.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley if you wish! Serve warm, and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just cook the frozen tortellini according to the package instructions, but you may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Can I Substitute the Sausage?
Yes! You can use turkey sausage for a lighter option or switch to a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian dish. Both will still provide great flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
How Can I Customize This Recipe?
This recipe is very versatile! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also swap in different cheeses, such as mozzarella or ricotta, for a unique twist.
