Description
A hearty and nutritious dish perfect for cozy nights, combining tender cheese tortellini, rich Italian sausage, and fresh spinach in a creamy base.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz. Cheese Tortellini (fresh, frozen, or dried)
- 1 lb. Italian Sausage (mild or spicy, or substitute with chicken/turkey sausage)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed)
- 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half, or coconut/almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Olive Oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Add Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant (2-3 minutes).
- Deglaze:
- Pour in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. This adds depth to the flavor.
- Season and Simmer:
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach:
- Add the tortellini and spinach to the pot. Cook until the tortellini is tender (5-7 minutes), and the spinach has wilted.
- Finish with Cream:
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow to heat through without boiling (about 3-5 minutes).
Notes
Customization Options
- Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk.
- Pasta Swap: Use other small pasta shapes like ravioli, orzo, or gnocchi.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty garlic bread or a fresh salad.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat.
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, cook tortellini separately and add it when reheating to prevent mushiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes