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Transform basic tortellini into a satisfying one-pan dinner featuring Italian sausage and a tomato cream sauce. Ready in 25 minutes, this recipe combines convenience with rich flavor while minimizing cleanup.
Essential Elements
Italian sausage adds rich flavor
Fresh tortellini cooks quickly
Heavy cream creates silky sauce
Fresh spinach adds nutrition
Garlic deepens flavor base
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Creating Pasta Magic
Brown and drain excess fat.
Combine broth, tomatoes, cream.
Cook tortellini directly in sauce.
Wilt gently at end.
Adjust flavors, add parmesan.
Perfect Serving Ideas
Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread. Add arugula salad with parmesan or Caesar salad for freshness.
Recipe Variations
Add fresh basil for brightness
Use hot Italian sausage for heat
Experiment with different tortellini flavors
Increase cream for richer sauce
Storage Success
Store in airtight container. Reheat gently over low heat to maintain sauce consistency. Best consumed within 1-2 days to maintain pasta texture. Not recommended for freezing.
Pro Tips
Drain sausage fat thoroughly
Keep heat moderate when adding cream
Stir occasionally while cooking pasta
Season gradually to taste
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Kitchen Guidelines
Use quality Italian sausage
Don't rush sauce reduction
Test pasta for doneness
Serve immediately for best results
This one-pan meal combines easy preparation with rich flavors, perfect for busy weeknights when you want both convenience and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Best sausage type?
- Any Italian sausage works, hot for extra spice.
- → Why heavy cream?
- Prevents curdling from tomato acidity.
- → Sauce too thin?
- Pasta starch naturally thickens while cooking.
- → Drain sausage fat?
- Optional, leave some for extra flavor.
- → Make ahead?
- Best served fresh, reheats well though.