Creamy Garlic Spinach Tortellini with Sausage

The rich aroma of sautéed garlic mingles with the savory scent of sizzling Italian sausage, creating an irresistible invitation to the dinner table. Creamy Garlic Spinach Tortellini with Sausage combines pillowy pasta pockets with a silky sauce that coats every bite with decadent flavor. This comfort food classic elevates ordinary tortellini into a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender tortellini, savory sausage, and nutritious spinach for a complete one-pan dinner your family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Spinach Tortellini with Sausage recipe stands out as a weeknight hero for busy home cooks. The combination of cheese-filled tortellini and Italian sausage provides a satisfying protein punch, while the garlicky cream sauce brings a luxurious mouthfeel that feels indulgent without hours of work. The contrast between the tender pasta, juicy sausage crumbles, and fresh spinach creates textural interest in every forkful.

What makes this dish particularly special is its versatility. The cheesy tortellini pasta with spinach can be customized based on what you have on hand, making it perfect for last-minute dinner decisions. The one-pot approach means minimal cleanup, while the impressive presentation makes it suitable for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. The balance of rich creaminess and bright garlic flavor prevents the dish from feeling heavy, while the vibrant spinach adds a nutritional boost and beautiful color contrast.

Ingredients

For this Creamy Garlic Spinach Tortellini with Sausage recipe, gather:

• 1 lb (450g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 6 oz (170g) fresh spinach (about 4 cups packed)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

The Italian sausage provides a flavorful foundation, while high-quality Parmesan adds nutty depth to the sauce. Fresh spinach works best for its tender texture and vibrant color, but frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) can work in a pinch. Choose fresh garlic over pre-minced for the most aromatic experience in this garlic pasta with sausage.

Pro Tips

Achieving restaurant-quality results with your Creamy Garlic Spinach Tortellini with Sausage comes down to a few critical techniques:

Perfect the Sausage Browning: Instead of stirring constantly, allow the sausage to develop a golden crust by leaving it untouched for the first 2-3 minutes in the hot pan. This caramelization creates flavor compounds that enrich the entire dish. Break the sausage into bite-sized pieces—not too small—so they remain juicy and provide textural contrast to the tortellini.

Master the Garlic Cooking Time: The garlic is the aromatic backbone of this creamy tortellini recipe. Add it only after the onions have softened and turned translucent. Cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned, as browned garlic can introduce bitterness to your sauce. This brief cooking period releases the essential oils while preserving garlic’s bright flavor profile.

Create a Silky Sauce: The secret to a perfectly emulsified cream sauce is temperature control. After adding the heavy cream, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a boil to prevent separation. When incorporating the Parmesan cheese, remove the pan from heat and stir constantly until completely melted. This gradual integration ensures a smooth, silky texture without graininess or breaking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 3-5 minutes for fresh or 7-9 minutes for frozen. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. The starchy pasta water acts as a natural thickener and helps the sauce adhere to the tortellini.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks with a wooden spoon. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a nice crust, then continue cooking while breaking it into bite-sized pieces until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes total. The fat rendering from the sausage will infuse the entire dish with flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with the sausage. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Now add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlic aroma.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits (fond). Let the broth reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the pan to low heat and add the spinach in batches, stirring until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and gently fold everything together, ensuring each pasta piece is coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer your Creamy Garlic Spinach Tortellini with Sausage to serving plates or a large platter. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Variations

Transform your Creamy Garlic Spinach Tortellini with Sausage with these delicious variations:

Seafood Twist: Replace the sausage with 1 pound of shrimp or scallops for an elegant seafood version. Add the seafood after the garlic and cook just until shrimp turn pink or scallops are lightly browned. This creates a lighter yet equally luxurious tortellini dish perfect for special occasions or date nights.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage entirely and add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or portobello work wonderfully) sautéed until golden brown. Increase the spinach to 8 ounces and add ¼ cup of sun-dried tomatoes for umami depth. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely vegetarian creamy spinach tortellini that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Lighter Version: For a healthier spin, substitute turkey sausage for the Italian sausage and replace half the heavy cream with evaporated skim milk or half-and-half. Add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry to maintain thickness if needed. This modification reduces calories while preserving the creamy texture and rich flavors of the original garlic pasta with sausage recipe.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Creamy Garlic Spinach Tortellini with Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Microwave reheating works in 30-second intervals with occasional stirring, though the stovetop method better preserves the sauce’s texture.

For serving, pair this creamy tortellini dish with a crisp side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce. For an elegant presentation, serve in wide, shallow bowls with a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top.

This dish also makes excellent meal prep—portion into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. If preparing in advance for guests, you can make the sauce and cook the sausage a day ahead, then simply reheat, cook fresh tortellini, and combine just before serving for the freshest result.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, substitute 10 ounces of frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry. Add it at the same point as fresh spinach, but it will need less time to incorporate since it’s already wilted.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken. For a dairy-free version, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well with the garlic and sausage flavors.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, but you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the sausage and make the sauce up to a day in advance, then reheat gently and add freshly cooked tortellini and spinach just before serving.

What type of tortellini works best?
Cheese tortellini is traditional, but spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled varieties work well. Fresh refrigerated tortellini offers the best texture, but frozen works fine with slightly longer cooking time.

How can I make this spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon, or add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped jarred hot cherry peppers to the sauce for a pleasant kick.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Spinach Tortellini with Sausage is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender pasta, savory sausage, and velvety garlic cream sauce that wraps around each bite like a warm culinary hug. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, bringing everyone to the table with eager anticipation. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this tortellini recipe delivers satisfaction in every forkful. The beauty lies in its simplicity paired with impressive results — proof that remarkable flavors don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen.

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