Hey y'all! Craving a cheesy, crave-worthy dinner that's both hearty and hassle-free? This Creamy Tortellini with Sausage, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella is the kind of weeknight magic that’ll have your family begging for seconds. Savory sausage, pillowy tortellini, vibrant spinach, sweet-tart cherry tomatoes, and melty mozzarella all come together in a rich, Creamy sauce that tastes like pure comfort. Whether it's a cozy family meal or an easy crowd-pleaser, this dish always hits the spot. Let's get cooking!

Creamy Tortellini with Sausage, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella

Why You'll Love This

The one-pan method makes cleanup a breeze—less mess, less stress.
Creamy, cheesy sauce clings to every piece of tortellini for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ready in under 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Bright tomatoes and fresh spinach add color, nutrition, and delicious contrast.
Flexible for swaps—use your favorite sausage, greens, or cheese!

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (9-ounce/255g) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
1 cup (120g) cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cups (90g) fresh baby spinach
1 cup (110g) shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Sauté the Sausage

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.

2. Add the Flavor Base

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Start the Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, letting the sauce bubble gently for 2 minutes.

4. Cook the Tortellini

Add the tortellini and cherry tomatoes directly to the sauce. Stir gently, cover, and simmer for 4-5 minutes (or according to package instructions), until tortellini are tender and heated through.

5. Add Spinach and Cheese

Remove the lid and add the spinach, stirring until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melty and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve & Garnish

Serve immediately, topped with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

For an extra-rich sauce, use whole milk mozzarella and freshly grate the Parmesan.
Don’t overcook the tortellini—they should be just tender for best texture.
If the sauce thickens too much after adding cheese, splash in a bit more chicken broth or cream.

Variations

Chicken Sausage Version: Swap Italian sausage for chicken sausage for a lighter twist.
Veggie Lovers: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers with the tomatoes for extra veggies.
Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.

Required Equipment

Large sauté pan or skillet (with lid)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing as tortellini texture can change.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
A crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette makes a fresh side.
Pair with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or light-bodied red wine.

Pro Tips

Pre-shred your cheeses for faster melt and creamier sauce.
Use a nonstick pan for easy cleanup and even cooking.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving for perfect flavor balance.

FAQ

Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes! Just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time and ensure the center is hot.
Can I make this ahead? It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sausage and chop ingredients in advance.
Is this recipe spicy? It can be as mild or as spicy as you like—simply adjust the sausage type and red pepper flakes!