Name: Cheese Tortellini & Sausage Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen); Olive oil; Beef sausage, sliced into rounds; Onion, chopped; Garlic, minced; Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce; Italian seasoning; Red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper; Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish); Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)

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This Cheese Tortellini & Sausage Skillet is the kind of comforting, one-pan dinner I turn to when I want something filling, flavorful, and fast. It’s packed with cheesy tortellini, hearty beef sausage, and a rich tomato sauce that brings everything together beautifully. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is simple to make but tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this skillet meal because it’s all about bold, comforting flavors with minimal cleanup. The cheese tortellini adds a creamy, tender bite, while the sausage delivers savory richness. The tomato sauce ties it all together with just the right amount of tang and depth. It’s satisfying, family-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes—which means I can have a cozy dinner on the table even on my busiest nights.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
Olive oil
Beef sausage, sliced into rounds
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and black pepper
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

I cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the sliced sausage for 4–5 minutes until it’s nicely seared.
I add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
I stir in the crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, along with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
I let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly, then fold in the cooked tortellini.
I stir everything together gently and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes until fully heated.
Before serving, I top it off with grated parmesan and fresh herbs for a final burst of flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 hearty servings. It takes me roughly 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when I want a meal that’s fast and comforting.

Variations

Sometimes I switch the beef sausage for chicken sausage or use a spicy Italian sausage if I want more heat. I’ve also added spinach or kale to the sauce for a little greenery, or stirred in a splash of cream or a spoonful of ricotta to make it extra rich. If I’m craving even more cheese, I’ll sprinkle mozzarella on top and broil it for a melty, golden finish.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or sauce to loosen it up. It also reheats well in the microwave. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the tortellini can become mushy once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, I use frozen tortellini all the time. I just boil it according to the package directions before adding it to the skillet.

What kind of sausage works best?

I like using fully cooked beef or chicken sausage for convenience, but raw Italian sausage also works—I just make sure to cook it through before adding the other ingredients.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. I skip the sausage and add mushrooms or zucchini instead. A meatless version with extra veggies is just as hearty.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

I stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end to make the sauce smooth and rich.

What sides go well with this?

I usually serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread. It’s a full meal on its own, but a fresh green salad helps balance out the richness.

Conclusion

This Cheese Tortellini & Sausage Skillet is everything I want in a quick dinner—cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor with barely any cleanup. It’s one of those meals that hits the spot every time, whether I’m cooking for family or just want to treat myself to something delicious. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a staple I keep coming back to.