When it comes to easy, comforting meals that hit all the right notes, nothing beats a hearty skillet dinner. Enter the creamy sausage and tortellini skillet – a perfect blend of savory flavors, creamy sauce, and tender pasta, all cooked in one pan. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something filling and delicious, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Skillet
This dish offers the ultimate comfort food experience with minimal effort. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, perfectly coats the plump tortellini, while the sausage adds a rich, savory flavor that ties it all together. It’s quick to make, requires only a few ingredients, and is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s made in just one skillet, meaning less cleanup!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make this creamy sausage and tortellini skillet, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of Italian sausage (either mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 package of cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Sausage: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Tortellini: In the same skillet, bring water to a boil and add the tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes for fresh tortellini. If you’re using frozen tortellini, it may take a little longer. Once cooked, drain the tortellini, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with dried basil, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked sausage and tortellini to the skillet. Toss everything together so that the tortellini is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy sausage and tortellini skillet with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
Tips for the Perfect Skillet Meal:
- Sausage Variety: While Italian sausage is traditional for this dish, feel free to experiment with different types. Chorizo or breakfast sausage could add an exciting twist to the flavor profile.
- Creamy Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the heavy cream slightly, or for a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Add Veggies: For some extra color and nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté them with the sausage or toss them in with the tortellini for an added boost.
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, opt for spicy Italian sausage, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
Why This Recipe Works So Well:
The creamy sausage and tortellini skillet is a well-balanced meal that delivers on flavor, texture, and convenience. The richness of the cream sauce perfectly complements the savory sausage, while the cheese tortellini adds a satisfying bite. It’s comforting without being too heavy, making it an ideal dish for any time of the year.
Nutritional Information:
While exact nutritional values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
This dish is indulgent yet balanced, offering a good mix of protein, carbs, and fats. It’s perfect for refueling after a long day or for a cozy family dinner.
Final Thoughts:
This creamy sausage and tortellini skillet is one of those recipes that’s so simple yet incredibly satisfying. It brings together all your favorite comfort food elements – pasta, sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce – in one easy dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this skillet meal is guaranteed to please. So, why not give it a try tonight and enjoy a quick, delicious meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds?