Quick and Easy One Pot Sausage and Tortellini Recipe

One Pot Sausage and Tortellini is your ultimate dinner hack. This creamy, flavor-packed meal comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights. Imagine hearty turkey sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich, cheesy sauce all cooked in a single skillet. Less cleanup, more eating—it’s a win-win!

I’m all about saving time in the kitchen, and this recipe hits all the marks. Traditional tortellini dishes can take forever with multiple pots and pans, but not this one. With everything cooking in one pan, you’re saving time and effort without sacrificing flavor. This is the best kind of one-pot dinner—comfort food made efficient!

Why This One Pot Sausage and Tortellini Is a Game-Changer

• Faster than traditional pasta dishes: This easy one-pot pasta dish eliminates the need for multiple pots and long prep times.
• Rich, creamy flavor in less time: The tortellini cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all those savory flavors.
• Minimal cleanup: Say goodbye to scrubbing extra pans and utensils!
• Hands-off cooking: Once it simmers, you’ve got a few minutes to handle other tasks—or just relax.
• One skillet magic: All you need is a large skillet to pull this off.

Equipment You’ll Need for This One Pot Sausage and Tortellini

This recipe keeps it simple with just one primary tool: a large, deep skillet. Here’s everything you’ll want handy:

• Large skillet: A 12-inch skillet with a lid works best to keep everything contained and evenly cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for breaking up the sausage and stirring the sauce.
• Measuring spoons: To get the perfect seasoning balance every time.

That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed for this homemade tortellini skillet meal.

Simple Ingredients for One Pot Sausage and Tortellini

What makes this dish so approachable? The ingredients are straightforward, and there’s flexibility if you’re out of something. Here are the highlights:

• Turkey sausage: Leaner than pork sausage but just as flavorful. Use any sausage you love—Italian works great!
• Fresh cheese tortellini: I recommend using fresh tortellini like Buitoni® since it cooks quickly, but dried works in a pinch (just adjust the cook time).
• Cream cheese: Garlic, chive, and onion cream cheese adds a punch of flavor without extra work.
• Beef broth: Keeps the sauce rich and savory. Swap with chicken broth if needed.

Pro tip: Pre-minced garlic and shredded Parmesan save even more time!

One Pot Sausage and Tortellini Recipe Details

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

One Pot Sausage and Tortellini Ingredients

• 1/2 pound turkey sausage
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic or garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces fresh cheese tortellini, such as Buitoni®
• 2 ounces garlic, chive, and onion cream cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish

How to Make One Pot Sausage and Tortellini

1. Gather all your ingredients. Prepping everything first makes the process even smoother.
2. Set a large skillet over medium heat. Break the sausage into bite-sized chunks, removing any casings if necessary. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Let the skillet cool for about 3 minutes, then return it to medium heat. Add butter and garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in black pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine.
5. Add tortellini and cream cheese, mixing until well combined. Bring this to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce the heat. Let it cook for 5 minutes or until the tortellini is tender. If needed, simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh basil.

Jake’s Tips for the Best One Pot Sausage and Tortellini

• Cook from fresh: Use fresh tortellini for faster cooking and better texture. Dried works if you’re in a pinch—just up the liquid and simmer time.
• Go lean: Turkey sausage keeps this lighter, but if you want bold flavor, try spicy Italian sausage instead.
• Make it ahead: Prep the sausage and chop any garnishes in advance to make this even faster.
• Batch it: Double the recipe and refrigerate leftovers for quick lunches. It reheats beautifully.
• Add veggies: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for an extra dose of greens.

Easy One Pot Sausage and Tortellini Variations

• Spicy kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a bolder flavor.
• Chicken twist: Swap turkey sausage for shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and add mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
• Bacon lover’s dream: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky hit of flavor.

One Pot Sausage and Tortellini FAQs

Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes and add extra beef broth to keep the sauce from getting too thick.

What’s the best skillet to use?

A large, deep nonstick skillet with a lid is ideal. It ensures even cooking and makes cleanup easier.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish reheats well. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Not recommended. Tortellini and the creamy sauce don’t freeze well and can become grainy when reheated.

What substitutions work for the cream cheese?

You can use plain cream cheese or even mascarpone for a milder flavor. Just season a bit more to taste.

Ready to make your busy nights easier? One Pot Sausage and Tortellini is your solution to fast, flavorful dinners. What’s your go-to kitchen shortcut? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas!