One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
Okay, let’s be real. We all have those days when we’re starving, tired, and the last thing we want is to dirty a bunch of pots and pans. That’s exactly how I came up with this One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet Dinner.
I wanted something fast, filling, and flavorful that wouldn’t leave me standing at the sink for 30 minutes afterward.
And trust me, this dish hits all the right notes—cheesy tortellini, juicy sausage, and a creamy sauce that ties it all together. If you love meals that are easy, tasty, and comforting, this one is for you.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is built for busy nights. It only needs one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. The sausage adds bold flavor, the tortellini cooks right in the sauce (no boiling water separately!), and the cheese pulls everything together. It’s hearty enough to feed the whole family, but it still feels like a cozy dinner for two if that’s what you’re going for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy here—just simple ingredients you can grab at any grocery store.
- Tortellini – Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini works best.
- Sausage – Italian sausage is perfect, but you can use smoked sausage or even chicken sausage.
- Onion & Garlic – For a flavor base.
- Tomato Sauce or Crushed Tomatoes – To make the sauce rich and hearty.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half – Adds that creamy finish.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Parmesan – Melty, cheesy goodness on top.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing.
- Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning – Classic flavors to bring it all together.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it browned and fully cooked before moving on.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Toss in chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook until soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your dish.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in your tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes) and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors come together.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Now, add the tortellini straight into the skillet. The beauty of this recipe is that the pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that flavor. Cover the skillet and let it simmer until the tortellini is tender.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in some heavy cream. This turns the sauce into a silky, creamy base that clings to every bite.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over the top. Cover the pan again for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop big spoonfuls onto plates and dig in. You’ll get cheesy pasta, savory sausage, and a creamy sauce in every bite.
Tips to Make It Even Better
- Use spicy sausage if you like a little heat.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end for some greens.
- Swap the cream for cream cheese if you want extra richness.
- If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe—it reheats beautifully.
What to Serve With It
This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but if you want sides, here are my go-to picks:
- Garlic bread to scoop up the sauce.
- A simple green salad for something fresh.
- Roasted veggies if you want extra nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
I love this recipe because it checks every box: it’s quick, it’s easy, it’s comforting, and it tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian spot. Plus, you’ll only wash one pan afterward—that’s a win in my book.
FAQs About One-Pan Tortellini and Sausage Skillet
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes! Just add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Q: What kind of sausage works best?
A: Italian sausage gives the best flavor, but you can use smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Do I need heavy cream?
A: Not at all. You can use half-and-half or even milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini all work great in this dish.
Q: Will this work with other pasta?
A: You can try ravioli or gnocchi, but tortellini really makes it special.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: Not unless you use hot sausage. If you like spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
