One-Pot Creamy Sausage Tortellini
Browned Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, baby spinach, and parmesan in a rich tomato cream sauce ready in 15 minutes.
- Cook temp
- 350°F
- 177°C · preheat
- Total time
- 15 min
- 3 prep · 12 cook · 2 rest
- Pull at
- 160°F
- USDA safe minimum
- Rest
- 2 min
- Before slicing
Easy Tortellini Soup Recipe · Preppy Kitchen
Shows how to brown Italian sausage, simmer cheese tortellini directly in the creamy tomato broth, and fold in fresh baby spinach.
- Target //Cook at Medium Simmer (350°F / 177°C) for 12 mins.
- Doneness //Pull when internal temperature reaches 160°F (USDA safe minimum). Rest 2 mins before slicing.
- Golden Rule //The fastest Dutch oven meal on the site. Refrigerated cheese tortellini cook in 3 minutes directly in the simmering tomato cream broth. One pot, 15 minutes, zero extra dishes.
- Family Tweak //Kids love cheese tortellini and sweet Italian sausage. The creamy tomato broth tempers the spinach so kids eat it with zero complaints.
Ingredients
- 1 lbSweet Italian Ground Sausage
- 16 ozRefrigerated Cheese Tortellini, dairy case fresh
- 1 canCrushed Tomatoes, 15 oz, fire-roasted
- 3 cupsChicken Broth, low-sodium
- 1/2 cupHeavy Cream
- 3 piecesGarlic Cloves, minced
- 2 cupsFresh Baby Spinach
- 1/2 cupGrated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tspItalian Herb Seasoning
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Get to the point
- 1
Brown 1 lb sweet Italian sausage with garlic in Dutch oven for 5 minutes.
- 2
Add 3 cups chicken broth, 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and Italian herbs.
- 3
Bring to a boil, drop in 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini, and simmer 4 minutes.
- 4
Stir in 2 cups fresh baby spinach and 1/2 cup grated parmesan until wilted.
Step by step
Tap a step to cross it offSausage Browning & Garlic Sauté
Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb mild or sweet ground Italian sausage. Break apart with a wooden spoon and cook 5 minutes until browned. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 60 seconds.
WhyItalian sausage is pre-seasoned with fennel, garlic, and herbs, eliminating the need for extensive spice measuring.
Tomato Cream Broth Base
Pour in 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 can (15 oz) crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
WhyAdding heavy cream directly to the broth creates an instant pink tomato-cream sauce.
Tortellini Direct Simmer
Add 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated three-cheese tortellini directly into the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring gently until tortellini float and are tender.
WhyUse refrigerated tortellini (found in dairy aisle) over frozen — they cook in 3 minutes flat and absorb rich broth without going mushy.
Spinach Wilt & Parmesan Integration
Turn heat to low. Add 2 cups fresh baby spinach and 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir for 60 seconds until spinach wilts completely into the hot broth. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
WhySpinach wilts in 60 seconds in the hot broth, keeping its bright green color and tender texture.
- Dad pro tip
- The fastest Dutch oven meal on the site. Refrigerated cheese tortellini cook in 3 minutes directly in the simmering tomato cream broth. One pot, 15 minutes, zero extra dishes.
- Kid & toddler adjustment
- Kids love cheese tortellini and sweet Italian sausage. The creamy tomato broth tempers the spinach so kids eat it with zero complaints.
- Serve with
- Garlic breadsticks · Caesar salad · Extra grated parmesan cheese
- Reheating
- Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 3 minutes, adding 2 tbsp milk to loosen sauce.
- Calories
- 490
- Protein
- 24 g
- Carbs
- 42 g
- Fat
- 26 g
Nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central #167905 & #168878. Cook-time basis: Dutch Oven rapid simmer test; USDA FSIS 160°F pork sausage standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you reheat leftover one-pot creamy sausage tortellini without ruining the texture?
Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 3 minutes, adding 2 tbsp milk to loosen sauce.
What is the target internal temperature for this recipe?
Confirm internal core temperature reaches 160°F using an instant-read digital probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Allow the meat to rest for 2 minutes before slicing to let carryover heat equalize and lock in juices.
How do I adapt this meal for picky kids or toddlers?
Kids love cheese tortellini and sweet Italian sausage. The creamy tomato broth tempers the spinach so kids eat it with zero complaints.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this?
Recommended sides include Garlic breadsticks, Caesar salad, Extra grated parmesan cheese.