30-Minute Tortellini with Sausage and Spinach
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
18 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
553 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Italian, Italian-American Fussion
30-Minute Tortellini with Sausage and Spinach
Description
30-Minute Tortellini with Sausage and Spinach uses bulk Italian sausage browned with onion and garlic to form a savory base. Tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and half and half create a flavorful, slightly creamy sauce. Adding frozen cheese tortellini directly to the sauce allows them to cook through while soaking up the tomato and sausage flavors.
The quick addition of baby spinach at the end maintains its color and freshness, brightening the dish. Freshly ground black pepper seasons the preparation, and Parmesan cheese adds a finishing touch of richness and complexity. The result is a hearty, comforting meal with tender pasta pockets and a balanced tomato-cream sauce.
This recipe works well for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs nicely with crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up extra sauce. Adjusting the cream or broth can tailor sauce thickness and richness to preference.
Instructions emphasize careful steps to prevent garlic burning and how to achieve proper pasta doneness. The dish can be garnished with fresh herbs for added aroma and color.
Ingredients
- 2 TB olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 lb Italian sausage bulk, no casings
- 2 cups pasta sauce tomato based
- 14 oz diced tomatoes Italian seasoned, with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup half and half or heavy cream, creamer
- 19 oz cheese tortellini frozen, do not thaw
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves excess moisture removed, torn to bite size
- black pepper freshly ground
- Parmesan Cheese freshly shaved or shredded
- herbs optional, freshly chopped; such as basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a very large skillet, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion, stir constantly 30 seconds. Add garlic and stir another 2 minutes or until aromatic and tender.
- Push onion mixture to the edges of pan and add sausage into the center of pan. Cook and break up sausage; once it's half-cooked, stir together with the onion mixture and continue cooking until browned.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, broth, and half/half. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Add frozen tortellini, stirring to submerge tortellini in the sauce. Bring back to a boil, cover, and reduce to simmer until tender, about 8 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Gently stir in spinach just until wilted. Add 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste.
- Serve immediately with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Heat olive oil over medium heat before adding onions to avoid burning and ensure proper softening.
- Stir garlic frequently for about 2 minutes until aromatic to prevent scorching.
- Ensure frozen tortellini is fully submerged in sauce to cook evenly and absorb flavors.
- Add spinach at the very end, stirring gently to wilt without overcooking for a vivid green contrast.
- Do not skip freshly ground black pepper and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, which enhance the dish’s flavor.
- If using fresh tortellini, reduce cooking time to avoid mushiness since the sauce has extra liquid intended for frozen pasta.
- Serve with crusty or garlic bread to take advantage of the extra sauce.
- Adjust the sauce’s thickness by altering the amount of cream or broth according to taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 553 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 553kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 99mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 806mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 701mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1910IU | 38% |
| Vitamin C | 19mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 217mg | 22% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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