One Pan Tortellini with Sausage

This One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is a quick and comforting dinner that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, hearty sausage, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce—all cooked together in a single pan.…

By Madison • September 13, 2025 • Reading time: 7 min

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This One Pan Tortellini with Sausage is a quick and comforting dinner that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, hearty sausage, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce—all cooked together in a single pan. The sausage adds a nice kick, while the sauce brings everything together with a cozy, homey feel. It’s a meal that’s both satisfying and simple, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make, yet it feels special enough to serve the whole family. I usually toss in some fresh spinach or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for a little extra color and flavor. The best part is that everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze, which makes it my go-to when I don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

Whenever I make this, I like to serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s also a great recipe to remember when you want comfort food that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Plus, everyone always asks for seconds, which is a sure sign it’s a winner at the dinner table!

How Can I Cook Everything in One Pan Without Overcooking the Tortellini?

Cooking sausage, sauce, and tortellini all in one pan can be tricky to get right. Here’s how to do it:

• Brown the sausage first: This builds flavor and renders out fat for the sauce base.
• Sauté veggies next: Soften onions and garlic to add sweetness and depth without burning.
• Add liquids & tomatoes: Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil before adding pasta.
• Cook tortellini covered: Keep the heat low and cover the pan so the pasta cooks evenly in the liquid.
• Stir occasionally: This prevents sticking but be gentle so you don’t tear the pasta.
• Add cream and greens last: This prevents the dairy from curdling and the spinach from overcooking.

Following this order helps you get creamy sauce, tender pasta, and juicy sausage all working together without overcooking any single ingredient. It’s a simple balance but makes a big difference!

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan – perfect for cooking everything in one pan with enough space to stir gently.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – great for breaking up sausage and stirring without scratching your pan.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of liquids and seasoning for best flavor balance.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – to chop onions, garlic, and fresh herbs easily and safely.
• Grater – for freshly grated Parmesan cheese that melts perfectly into the sauce.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap Italian sausage for ground chicken or turkey to lighten the dish while keeping protein.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for extra sweetness and tang that complements the cream sauce.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing onions for more texture and veggie goodness.
• Use fresh rosemary or thyme instead of basil for a different herbal twist that pairs well with sausage.

One Pan Tortellini with Sausage

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 package (9-12 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• Fresh basil leaves, sliced for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy meal that’s ready in roughly 25 minutes. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Cook Onion and Garlic:

Add chopped onion to the pan with the sausage. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell the aroma.

3. Add Tomatoes and Broth:

Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir together, then add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

4. Cook the Tortellini:

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the tortellini directly into the pan. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and cook until the tortellini are tender.

5. Finish the Sauce and Add Greens:

Stir in the heavy cream and optional spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken slightly.

6. Add Cheese and Serve:

Remove from heat and mix in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately, topped with fresh basil and more Parmesan, if you like.