Creamy Tuscan Sausage Tortellini Skillet

Sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach lend this skillet its sunny Tuscan character, a modern nod to Italian countryside comfort. Italian sausage and cheese tortellini simmer in a garlicky cream sauce for easy one-pan dinner warmth.

Serves 4 · 12 min prep · 25 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 720 cal
• 32g protein
• 58g carbs
• 40g fat
• 5g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
• 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn

Instructions

1. 1Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-size crumbles with a wooden spoon, and cook 6–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
2. 2Push sausage to the side, add the diced onion, and cook 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook 45–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. 3Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. 4Add the cheese tortellini and chopped sun-dried tomatoes directly into the skillet. Stir to coat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 7–9 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the tortellini are tender and plump.
5. 5Uncover and stir in the baby spinach a handful at a time until it wilts, about 1–2 minutes. The sauce should look glossy and slightly thickened.
6. 6Remove the skillet from heat and stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy. Taste and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
7. 7Let the skillet rest 2 minutes off heat so the sauce clings to the pasta. If it seems too thick, loosen with a splash of broth or cream.
8. 8Divide among four shallow bowls, top with the remaining Parmesan and torn fresh basil, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.