There’s something about a meal that cooks all in one pot that feels like a small victory after a long day. You’re tired, maybe distracted by the noise of a TV show you’re half-watching or the endless to-dos running through your head. This One Pot Sausage and Tortellini is like that quiet pause you didn’t know you needed. The rich aroma of sausage and garlic fills the kitchen, mingling with a hint of tomato and cream. I remember the first time I made it—stirring the sauce just right, trying not to overcook the tortellini, glancing at the clock and realizing dinner would actually be ready on time. It wasn’t perfect; I burned my finger on the lid, and the basil I chopped wasn’t as fresh as I’d hoped, but somehow it all came together in a bowl that felt like a warm hug on a hectic evening.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A one pot wonder that saves time on washing up—though you might get a little sauce on the counter if you’re not careful.
- The creamy tomato sauce strikes a balance between comforting and bright, without feeling too heavy.
- It’s flexible enough to make weeknight cooking less daunting, even if you’re juggling a million things.
- The sausage adds a satisfying savory kick, but the dish isn’t overly spicy, which is great if you’re feeding a crowd.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fancy ingredients, just straightforward flavors.
Once you’ve had this dish, you’ll find yourself reaching for it when you want something warm and filling but don’t want to fuss. It’s the kind of recipe you come back to, again and again, especially when you want to impress yourself by actually having dinner ready on time.
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One Pot Sausage and Tortellini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and delicious one pot meal featuring savory Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and a creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
Add the dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the cheese tortellini to the pot, stirring gently to submerge them in the sauce.
Cover and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Notes: A sturdy deep skillet or Dutch oven is your best friend here, but honestly, if your pot’s a little scratched or worn, it’ll still do the job. I usually serve this with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce, though sometimes I just eat it straight from the pot—no judgment. If you want to mix things up, swapping in spicy sausage or tossing in some spinach near the end can change the vibe a bit, but I haven’t tested those variations enough to know how well they hold up. Also, if you end up with leftovers, a splash of broth or cream when reheating helps keep the sauce silky.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, but cooking times might vary slightly since frozen pasta takes a bit longer to heat through.
Is this dish freezer-friendly? It’s best fresh or refrigerated; freezing might change the texture of the tortellini and sauce.
Can I make it vegetarian? You could try substituting sausage with a plant-based alternative, but the flavor profile will be different.
Give it a try next time you’re craving something cozy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. You might just find this one pot meal becomes your go-to.