Hey y'all! If you're searching for a meal that's bursting with rich Italian flavors, creamy textures, and comes together in just one pan, look no further than this Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Dinner. It's savory, cheesy, and packed with garden-fresh veggies, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, or cozy date nights at home. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Dinner
- One-pan convenience means easy prep and minimal cleanup.
- Rich, creamy sauce and cheesy tortellini are ultra-satisfying.
- Packed with colorful veggies and Tuscan-inspired flavors.
- Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for those hectic evenings!
- Family-friendly and easy to customize for picky eaters.
Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Dinner Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Dinner
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring often so the garlic doesn't burn.
Step 2: Add Veggies & Tomatoes
Add sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cheese tortellini. Cover and let cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Uncover the skillet and sprinkle in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve hot straight from the skillet. Enjoy!
Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Dinner Notes
- Try grating your own cheese for extra meltiness and flavor—pre-shredded can be less creamy (see why here).
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Dinner Variations
- Protein Boost: Add cooked Italian sausage or rotisserie chicken for extra heartiness.
- Veggie Lover's: Toss in mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Required Equipment for Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Dinner
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Dinner Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as the cream and pasta texture may change.
What to Serve with Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Dinner
- Crusty garlic bread or ciabatta for scooping up the creamy sauce
- Simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon
Pro Tips for the Best Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Dinner
- Use fresh, refrigerated tortellini for the best texture and fastest cooking (learn the difference).
- Don’t overcook the tortellini—check for doneness at the 5-minute mark.
- Add spinach at the end to keep its color vibrant and prevent over-wilting.
Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Dinner FAQ
- Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
- Absolutely! You may need to add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time—check for doneness as you go.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Regular tortellini contains gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free tortellini found at specialty stores.
- How can I make this Tuscan Tortellini Skillet Dinner lighter?
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, and use part-skim cheeses for a lighter version. For more nutrition ideas, check out the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) cheese tortellini, refrigerated or frozen
- 8 oz (225g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
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2Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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3Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
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4Add cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tortellini are tender and heated through.
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5Stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook until spinach is wilted and sauce is creamy, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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6Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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