Description
A hearty and creamy one-pan meal featuring Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach cooked in a savory tomato and cream sauce. This easy dish comes together quickly and is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Base
- 11 ounces Italian sausage
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
Sauces and Cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Remove the sausage meat from the casings and crumble into a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving some fat in the pan for flavor.
- Add Flavorings and Pasta: Add minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juices, heavy cream, and cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes until the tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if desired.
Notes
- Use approximately 11 ounces of Italian sausage; hot Italian sausage can be used to add spice.
- Heavy cream is necessary to prevent curdling from the tomato acidity; do not substitute with milk or half-and-half.
- If excess sausage fat accumulates, drain most but leave some in the skillet for flavor.
- This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
