Imagine a dish so irresistibly creamy, so packed with flavor, that it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure. This Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Skillet is not just a meal; it's a one-pan wonder that combines the rich, savory goodness of Italian sausage, the luxurious creaminess of mozzarella, and the delicate touch of fresh spinach. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family begging for seconds – and maybe even thirds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of Italian sausage, 1 package (9 oz) of cheese tortellini, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of fresh spinach, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat the skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- While the sausage is cooking, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set aside.
- Once the sausage is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, allowing the cream to heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked cheese tortellini to the skillet with the sausage and cream mixture. Gently fold the tortellini into the sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning throughout the dish.
- Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the tortellini mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Skillet warm, garnished with additional spinach or cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor – the better the sausage, the more delicious your dish will be.
- Don't overcook the tortellini; they should be al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
- For extra richness, use freshly grated mozzarella instead of pre-shredded cheese.
- If you want to add more vegetables, try adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the spinach.
- Make sure to break the sausage into small, even pieces for consistent cooking and better distribution of flavor.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
