If you’re craving a meal that brings together vibrant colors, comforting textures, and mouthwatering flavors, the Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines juicy Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and sweet bell peppers in a rich tomato sauce that simmers to perfection right in one pan. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve friends or family when you want to share something truly special. Every bite offers a hearty, satisfying experience with just the right balance of savory and fresh notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe just right starts with simply fantastic ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the spicy sausage adding boldness, the sweet bell peppers providing crunch and color, or the fresh basil and parmesan bringing that finishing touch of freshness and umami.
- Italian sausages: Choose flavorful links and slice them for even cooking and meaty goodness in every bite.
- Bell peppers: Use colorful varieties like orange and red to brighten the dish and add a slight natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth that lifts the entire skillet.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): They create a rich, tangy base that keeps things saucy and vibrant.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs ties the flavors together with a warm, herbal touch.
- Water: Helps the tortellini cook perfectly while loosening the sauce just enough.
- Cheese tortellini: The heart of the dish—pillowy pasta pockets stuffed with cheese, delivering creamy richness.
- Fresh basil: Torn leaves add a lively green pop and a refreshing aromatic finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, salty finish that melts into the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausages
Start by cooking the sliced Italian sausages in a deep skillet over medium heat until they are beautifully browned all over, about 7 to 10 minutes. This step is essential because it develops rich, caramelized flavors that form the foundation of the dish. While the sausages cook, chop your bell peppers to save time.
Step 2: Sauté Bell Peppers and Garlic
Next, add the chopped bell peppers directly to the skillet and let them soften for about five minutes. Their natural sweetness will shine through as they mingle with the savory sausage. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute to release its fragrant aroma but avoid bitterness.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices along with the Italian seasoning and water. Take a spatula and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the skillet—this adds wonderful depth to the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Gently stir in the cheese tortellini, ensuring they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid left slightly ajar and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once halfway through. This cooking method allows the pasta to absorb the sauce and become tender without overcooking.
Step 5: Finish with Basil and Parmesan
Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency. Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal brightness, then sprinkle and mix in the freshly grated parmesan cheese for a deliciously creamy finish. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair to your skillet makes every meal feel special. Consider a sprinkle of extra parmesan, a handful of torn basil leaves, or even a drizzle of good quality olive oil to add richness and shine. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a welcome kick if you like it spicy.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe shines as a complete meal but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed greens can add even more color and nutrition to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the Sausage Tortellini Skillet directly from the pan to the table—there is something so inviting about sharing one hearty dish. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a fresh basil leaf on top and a light sprinkle of parmesan for an elegant touch when entertaining guests. Using a bright, contrasting plate helps the vibrant colors pop beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish taste even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe freezes well if stored properly. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy, freeze in portions suitable for single meals.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to evenly warm. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce and keeps the tortellini from drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground sausage instead of links?
Absolutely! Ground sausage works well too; just cook it thoroughly and break it up into crumbles before adding the peppers to maintain a nice texture in the skillet.
What kind of tortellini is best for this recipe?
Cheese-filled tortellini is preferred here because it melts into the sauce and offers creamy, comforting bites, but you can also use meat or spinach varieties for a different twist.
Is there a vegetarian version of this skillet?
You can swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms to keep it flavorful. The rest of the recipe stays the same and still results in a delicious meal.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it?
Yes! This recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can cook it fully, then refrigerate or freeze it, reheating gently when ready to enjoy, making it a convenient and tasty option for busy days.
What can I substitute for fresh basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, dried basil or even fresh parsley can work in a pinch. Add dried herbs a little earlier during cooking for the best flavor release.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a plate. It’s full of bold flavors, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something deliciously satisfying. I encourage you to try it, share it, and enjoy every comforting bite — it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Print
Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Sausage Tortellini Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal combining savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, garlic, and tender cheese tortellini simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Finished with fresh basil and parmesan, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 Italian sausages, sliced
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 bell peppers (orange and red), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 leaves fresh basil, torn
Pantry
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 dashes Italian seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 1 (21 ounce) package tortellini
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Sausages: Heat a deep skillet over medium heat and cook the sliced Italian sausages for 7-10 minutes until browned on all sides. While the sausages cook, chop the bell peppers.
- Sauté Peppers and Garlic: Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, add 2 dashes of Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of water. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Cook Tortellini: Stir in the package of tortellini until it is mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid left slightly ajar and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Thicken Sauce and Finish: Remove the lid and continue to cook for another 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve the dish hot immediately.
Notes
- You can use any type of Italian sausage, sweet or spicy depending on your preference.
- Fresh tortellini works best, but frozen or refrigerated versions can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of water.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking garlic for a spicy kick.
