We all have those nights where time is short, energy is low, and the drive-thru looks tempting. But this “Super Quick & Easy Dinner” recipe—a Sausage & Tortellini Skillet—is faster than delivery and infinitely more satisfying. It is the ultimate one-pan wonder, combining hearty cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant spinach in a rich tomato sauce.
This dish is a masterclass in efficiency. By using refrigerated tortellini (which cooks in minutes) and cooking everything in a single skillet, you minimize both prep time and cleanup. It delivers a restaurant-quality pasta dinner in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy families.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One Pan, Zero Stress
The beauty of this recipe is the cleanup—or lack thereof. You brown the sausage, simmer the sauce, and cook the pasta all in the same skillet. No boiling a separate pot of water, no straining colanders. It’s streamlined cooking at its finest.
Balanced & Filling
It’s a complete meal in a bowl. You get protein from the sausage, carbs from the pasta, and vitamins from the spinach and tomatoes. It’s hearty enough to satisfy big appetites but fresh enough to feel wholesome.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or sweet)
- 1 pack (20oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 jar (24oz) marinara sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 0.5 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 whole onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Brown sausage and onion in a large skillet. Drain fat.
- Add garlic, marinara sauce, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in tortellini. Cover and cook 5-7 mins until tender.
- Stir in spinach and cream. Top with mozzarella.
- Cover until cheese melts. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Italian Sausage: Mild or spicy, removed from the casing. It provides the flavor base for the entire sauce.
Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Use the fresh kind found in the deli aisle, not dried. It cooks in 3-5 minutes.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts down beautifully, adding color and nutrition.
Tomato Sauce: A can of crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce.
Cream/Milk: A splash adds a luxurious rosiness to the sauce (optional).
Mozzarella: For that gooey, cheesy finish.
Smart Substitutions
For a lighter version, use turkey sausage or chicken sausage. Ravioli can be swapped for tortellini. If you are gluten-free, use a GF pasta brand and check your sausage ingredients. You can also bulk it up with more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers sautéed with the onions.
If you need more quick meal inspiration, check out this Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies recipe for another hands-off dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Remove the sausage from its casings. Dice an onion and mince garlic.
Cooking Phase
Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and onions are soft (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or marinara), chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
The One-Pot Magic: Add the uncooked refrigerated tortellini directly into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt (about 1 minute).
Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover for 2 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Refrigerated pasta cooks fast. If you leave it boiling in the sauce too long, it will puff up and fall apart. Taste-test a noodle at the 4-minute mark.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick while the pasta cooks, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using dried tortellini without adjusting liquid. Dried pasta absorbs way more water than fresh/refrigerated pasta. If using dried, you must boil it separately first.
| Metric | This Recipe | Traditional Boil |
|---|---|---|
| Pots Used | 1 Skillet | 2-3 Pots |
| Time | 20-25 Mins | 40+ Mins |
| Flavor | Pasta absorbs sauce | Pasta absorbs water |
| Cleanup | Easy | Heavy |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic family-style meal. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh basil.
Pairing Suggestions
A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts the richness perfectly. Garlic bread is excellent for mopping up the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but pasta can get soft upon reheating. It keeps well in the fridge for 3 days.
Is it spicy?
Only if you use hot Italian sausage.
Can I make it dairy free?
Yes, omit the cream and mozzarella. The tomato sausage base is delicious on its own.
Conclusion
This Sausage & Tortellini Skillet proves that “Super Quick & Easy” doesn’t mean boring. It’s a flavorful, wholesome, and comforting meal that saves your evening.
