What type of sausage works best in a cheese tortellini and sausage dish?

You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage, either in links (with casing removed) or ground form. The key is that it’s seasoned—those herbs and fennel seeds give the dish its bold flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage can work too, though you may want to add an extra pinch of Italian seasoning for depth.

Can I use frozen cheese tortellini instead of fresh or refrigerated?

Absolutely. Frozen cheese tortellini works just fine in this recipe. If you're using frozen, you might need to extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes so it becomes tender. The advantage: it’s highly convenient and helps turn this dish into a quick weeknight dinner.

How do I store leftovers and reheat cheese tortellini and sausage so it still tastes great?

Let the dish cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or sauce to keep the pasta from drying out. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

How can I make this dish lighter or fit special diets (gluten-free, vegan, halal)?

Easy! Swap regular cheese tortellini for gluten-free tortellini, choose halal-certified sausage (or plant-based sausage), and use dairy-free cheese if needed. For a lighter version, pick turkey sausage and reduce the cheese amount. These substitutions retain the comforting flavors while accommodating dietary needs.

Cheese Tortellini and Sausage – Irresistible One-Pan Dinner Idea

Name: Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce; ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning sauce); 1 cup baby spinach (or kale); 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Description

There’s something magical about coming home after a long day and knowing dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes. This Cheese Tortellini and Sausage skillet meal combines creamy tomato sauce, Italian sausage, and cheese-filled tortellini for a comforting, easy weeknight dinner that tastes like something straight out of an Italian café.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
½ cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning sauce)
1 cup baby spinach (or kale)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Remove the cooked sausage and set aside. In the same pan, sauté diced onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Pour in marinara sauce and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Return the sausage to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the tortellini directly to the sauce. Stir, cover, and cook until pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
Stir in spinach until wilted, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover briefly until the cheese melts.
Garnish with basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For a creamier sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or ricotta before serving.
Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian