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- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini - 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed) - 1 tablespoon olive oil The cheese tortellini adds a creamy texture that pairs well with savory sausage. You can choose mild for a gentle flavor or spicy for a kick. The olive oil helps to sauté the ingredients, bringing out their best flavors. - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 zucchini, diced Onions add sweetness and depth. Bell peppers bring color and crunch. Zucchini adds a fresh taste and absorbs the dish's flavors well. - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Diced tomatoes provide acidity and moisture. Vegetable broth adds richness without overpowering. Italian seasoning blends herbs that enhance the dish's essence. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heating the oil: Start by pouring one tablespoon of olive oil into a large skillet. Set the heat to medium. Wait for the oil to shimmer. This means it's hot enough. - Cooking the sausage: Next, take eight ounces of Italian sausage. Remove the casing and add the sausage to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart. Cook it for about five to seven minutes. You want it to turn brown and be fully cooked. - Incorporating onion, bell pepper, and zucchini: After the sausage is ready, chop one small onion, one bell pepper, and one zucchini. Add these to the skillet. Stir and let them cook for three to four minutes. You want them to soften. - Cooking until softened: Keep stirring often. This helps to mix the flavors. The veggies should be tender by now. - Adding garlic and seasoning: Now, take two cloves of minced garlic. Add them to the pan along with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for one more minute. This step makes your kitchen smell great! - Introducing tomatoes and broth: Next, open a can of diced tomatoes (14 oz) and add them, juice and all, to the pan. Pour in one cup of vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. - Adding tortellini and simmering: Once simmering, grab a package of cheese tortellini (9 oz). Add it to the skillet and mix gently. Cook for four to five minutes. The tortellini should be tender and cooked through. Now, you're almost there! Next, you'll add fresh spinach and season to taste. Enjoy the process! How to perfectly brown sausage To brown sausage well, use medium heat. This helps the sausage cook evenly. Break the sausage into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it's brown. Stir it often. This keeps it from sticking and burning. Tips for cooking tortellini Cook tortellini when the dish is almost done. Add it to the skillet with the broth. This way, it soaks up the flavors. Stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until tender. Keep an eye on it. Overcooking makes it mushy. Suggested seasonings Italian seasoning brings a lot of flavor to this dish. You can also add crushed red pepper for heat. A pinch of garlic powder boosts the garlic flavor. If you like herbs, add fresh parsley or oregano. Best toppings to use Grated Parmesan cheese is a must. It adds creaminess and saltiness. Fresh basil on top gives a nice color and taste. You can also sprinkle some black pepper for a little kick. Prep time hacks Chop your onion and bell pepper ahead of time. You can do this the night before. This way, the cooking goes faster. Use a timer to keep track of cooking times. This helps you stay organized. Using pre-chopped ingredients Consider buying pre-chopped vegetables at the store. They save a lot of time. You can find diced onions and peppers in the produce section. This makes putting the dish together super easy. Pro Tips Tip for Tortellini Cooking: Cook the tortellini just until al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce. Tip for Sausage Flavor: If you want a deeper flavor, consider browning the sausage a bit longer until it's nicely caramelized. Tip for Added Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor. Tip for Creaminess: For a creamier dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch out the sausage for chicken or turkey. Both options work well and keep the dish tasty. Ground chicken or turkey will cook fast and soak up the flavors. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based sausage or beans. These will add protein and a nice texture. You can also use lentils for a hearty touch. You can add more veggies to boost nutrition. Think about spinach, kale, or broccoli. Carrots or peas also work well for color and crunch. Seasonal veggies are great too. In summer, add fresh tomatoes or corn. In fall, try butternut squash or pumpkin. Each season brings new flavors to explore. You can choose between a creamy or tomato-based sauce. A creamy sauce gives a rich taste, while a tomato sauce adds brightness. If you want a deeper flavor, adjust the broth. You can mix in chicken broth or add a splash of wine for more depth. Both options will make your dish shine. To store leftovers, let them cool before putting them in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep the tortellini fresh. This helps keep flavors strong and prevents drying out. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. Recommended storage containers include glass or BPA-free plastic. These types seal well and keep food safe. They also help you see the contents easily. The best methods for reheating are on the stove or in the microwave. On the stove, add a little water or broth to keep it moist. Heat on low to avoid burning. Stir often for even warming. To reheat in the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water and cover loosely. Heat for one minute, then stir. Repeat until hot. This will help avoid sogginess in the tortellini. For longer storage, you can freeze this dish. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Label the container with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw the dish in the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, you can use the microwave. Heat on the defrost setting until soft. Then, reheat on the stove or microwave as described. Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Check the package for specific cooking instructions. Frozen tortellini cooks well in the same skillet. How long does it take to cook tortellini? It takes about 4-5 minutes to cook tortellini. You will know they are done when they float to the top of the pan. Make sure to stir gently to avoid sticking. What can I use instead of Italian sausage? You can use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian dish, try using lentils or mushrooms. These choices can add great flavor and texture. Can I use a different type of cheese tortellini? Absolutely! You can use any cheese tortellini you like. Try spinach or mushroom tortellini for a fun twist. Just keep the cooking time the same. Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the tortellini. However, you can find gluten-free tortellini made from rice or corn flour. This will make the dish safe for gluten-free diets. Can it be made dairy-free? Yes, you can make it dairy-free. Use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without dairy. In this post, we explored a simple recipe for one pan tortellini with sausage. We covered the key ingredients like cheese tortellini and Italian sausage, along with fresh veggies like zucchini. I shared step-by-step instructions to make cooking easy. You'll find tips for enhancing flavor and time-saving strategies, plus variations to suit your taste. Finally, I included storage and reheating tips to enjoy leftovers. This dish is quick, tasty, and adaptable. Enjoy making it your own!

One Pan Tortellini with Savory Sausage

A delicious one-pan meal featuring cheese tortellini, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 9 oz cheese tortellini
  • 8 oz Italian sausage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 14 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Incorporate the chopped onion, bell pepper, and zucchini into the skillet, cooking until they soften, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Once simmering, add the tortellini to the skillet. Stir gently and let everything cook together for about 4-5 minutes or until the tortellini are tender.
  • Fold in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil on top.

Notes

Feel free to use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Keyword one pan, quick meal, sausage, tortellini