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–+ servings
A bowl of sausage spinach tortellini pasta in a creamy sauce, topped with crumbled sausage and herbs.

Sausage Spinach Tortellini

A quick and elegant pasta dish featuring savory sausage, fresh spinach, and tender tortellini in a creamy sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini 19-20 ounce
For the Sauce
  • 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the tortellini cooks, brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, a handful at a time, stirring until it wilts.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
  7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine and heat through.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner.

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