Go Back
–+ servings
A close-up of a white bowl filled with fancy sausage spinach tortellini in a creamy orange sauce, garnished with herbs.

Sausage Spinach Tortellini

A quick and elegant pasta dish featuring savory sausage, fresh spinach, and tender tortellini in a creamy sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 package Refrigerated cheese tortellini 19-20 oz
For the Sauce
  • 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 5 oz Fresh spinach
  • 1.5 cup Heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup Reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain tortellini and set aside.
  2. While tortellini cooks, brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, reserved pasta water, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!