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To make a delicious Italian sausage tortellini skillet, you'll need the following ingredients: - 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed) - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients blend perfectly to create a rich and flavorful meal. Cheese tortellini brings a soft, cheesy bite, while the Italian sausage adds a savory depth. The onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini provide a colorful and nutritious base. Diced tomatoes and spinach add freshness and balance the dish. Olive oil and Italian seasoning tie everything together. Don’t forget the red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat! Topping it all off with Parmesan and basil gives the final touch of flavor and elegance. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Add 12 oz of cheese tortellini and cook them according to the package. You want them al dente, which means they are firm but cooked. Once ready, drain the tortellini and set them aside in a bowl. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 lb of Italian sausage. Use a spatula to break it into pieces. Cook until it is browned and no longer pink, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside, but leave some drippings in the skillet for flavor. In the same skillet, add 1 small diced onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 diced zucchini. Stir these veggies often and cook them until they soften, around 5 minutes. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Now, stir in a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Next, add the drained tortellini and 1 cup of spinach to the skillet. Gently toss everything together. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve hot, and don’t skimp on the garnish! Top with grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves for a lovely finish. Enjoy your meal! Using fresh herbs can make a big difference. Fresh basil adds a bright touch to your dish. I love to tear the leaves right before serving for the best flavor. You can also add parsley for a nice green touch. If you want some heat, try crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a little and taste as you go. Adjust based on your spice level. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish at their own heat level. Make sure to cook your tortellini al dente. This means it should still be firm when you bite into it. If you cook it too long, it can turn mushy. Follow the package instructions for the best results. Timing is key when sautéing vegetables. Start with the onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook them until soft, about five minutes. Then add the garlic. This keeps the garlic from burning and makes it fragrant. Serving in a skillet is a fun way to present your dish. It keeps the meal warm, and it looks great on the table. Plus, it makes for easy serving. For garnishing, try adding grated Parmesan cheese on top. It melts slightly and adds a rich flavor. Fresh basil leaves on top not only look pretty but also add freshness. A sprinkle of black pepper can add a nice touch too. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Customize the Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage, and modify the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Cook Tortellini Al Dente: Make sure to cook the tortellini until just al dente. This ensures they hold their shape and texture when tossed with the other ingredients. Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the grated Parmesan and fresh basil on top. They add a burst of flavor and elevate the presentation of your skillet dish. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this dish. Try using chicken or turkey instead of Italian sausage. Both options will still give you a great flavor. For a lighter meal, consider using ground turkey. You can also swap out some veggies. Add mushrooms, kale, or even carrots. These will mix well with the tortellini and add more nutrients. You can replace the zucchini with broccoli for a different taste and texture. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer this, and they taste great. You can also check for gluten-free pasta in stores. For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage. Add more veggies like bell peppers and spinach. You can add chickpeas for protein too. They will make the dish hearty and filling. Fresh herbs can elevate this dish. Try adding basil, oregano, or thyme. These herbs will make your meal taste even better. You can mix them in during cooking for a burst of flavor. If you want a creamier sauce, stir in some heavy cream. This will create a rich sauce that clings to the tortellini. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter touch. This makes the dish extra comforting and delicious. To keep your Italian sausage tortellini skillet fresh, cool it before storing. Spread it out on a large plate or in a shallow dish. This method helps the heat escape quickly. Once cooled, place the leftovers in suitable containers. Use airtight glass or plastic containers to prevent spoilage. Label them with the date. This way, you can enjoy your meal later. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them properly is key. I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to warm it evenly. Avoid using the microwave, as it may overcook the tortellini. Keep an eye on it and take it off the heat when it's hot. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the dish into portions before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. This helps to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw the portions overnight in the fridge. For best texture, reheat gently in a skillet. Enjoy that delicious flavor again! Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Frozen tortellini cooks quickly and is very convenient. To cook, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes longer than fresh tortellini. Once cooked, just drain and set aside. The rest of the recipe will stay the same. This method ensures your dish is quick and tasty. You have many great options for side dishes. Here are a few suggestions: - Garlic bread: It’s perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Side salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and freshness. - Roasted vegetables: Seasonal veggies like broccoli or asparagus pair nicely. - Parmesan cheese: Always a fantastic addition for extra flavor. If you want more heat, start with spicy Italian sausage. You can also add more crushed red pepper flakes. Try mixing in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. Another option is to serve with a spicy olive oil drizzle on top. Adjust the spice to your taste for the perfect kick! This blog post covered a simple, delicious Italian sausage tortellini skillet. We explored the ingredients, from cheese tortellini to fresh veggies and spices. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for perfect flavor, and fun ways to modify the dish. In conclusion, you can create a tasty meal with these easy steps. Feel free to experiment with flavors or veggies. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and make this dish your own!

Sizzling Italian Sausage Tortellini Skillet

A delicious and hearty skillet dish featuring cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 14 oz can diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving some drippings in the skillet.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, cooked sausage, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the drained tortellini and spinach to the skillet. Gently toss to combine and heat through, allowing the spinach to wilt (about 2-3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy sausage.
Keyword Italian, pasta, sausage, skillet, tortellini