Why Make This Recipe
One-Pan Turkey Sausage and Spinach Tortellini is a fantastic meal that combines flavor and ease. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Using just one pan means less cleanup, and the combination of juicy turkey sausage, creamy marinara sauce, and fresh spinach is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Plus, it’s packed with protein and veggies, making it a great option for a balanced meal.
How to Make One-Pan Turkey Sausage and Spinach Tortellini
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb hot or sweet turkey sausages, casings removed
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (Classico Four Cheese recommended)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
- 4 cups packed fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Directions:
Heat olive oil in an extra-large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Next, add the turkey sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook the sausage, stirring and crumbling occasionally, until it is fully cooked through and browned. Then, stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, low-sodium chicken broth, and water. Bring this mixture to a light boil.
Now, add the refrigerated tortellini into the sauce and gently press it down. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the tortellini is tender. After that, stir in the spinach and parsley. Season with black pepper to taste, then toss gently to allow the spinach to wilt. Finally, stir in the basil just before serving. Serve warm.
How to Serve One-Pan Turkey Sausage and Spinach Tortellini
Serve this dish in bowls, topped with extra fresh basil and parsley if you like. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy with your favorite grated cheese on top for added flavor!
How to Store One-Pan Turkey Sausage and Spinach Tortellini
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish can last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to let it cool completely before putting it in freezer-safe containers.
Tips to Make One-Pan Turkey Sausage and Spinach Tortellini
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- You can use frozen tortellini instead of fresh; just increase the cooking time slightly.
- For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
Variation
You can swap the turkey sausage for chicken sausage or a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Experiment with different flavors of marinara sauce to keep things interesting!
FAQs
1. Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried tortellini, but you will need to cook it separately according to package instructions and then add it to the sauce.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free tortellini and ensure the marinara and chicken broth are also gluten-free.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just be aware that the tortellini may absorb some of the sauce when stored.
One-Pan Turkey Sausage and Spinach Tortellini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and easy one-pan meal combining turkey sausage, creamy marinara sauce, and fresh spinach, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb hot or sweet turkey sausages, casings removed
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (Classico Four Cheese recommended)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
- 4 cups packed fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in an extra-large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the turkey sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully cooked through and browned.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, low-sodium chicken broth, and water. Bring to a light boil.
- Add the refrigerated tortellini into the sauce and gently press down. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
- Stir in the spinach and parsley. Season with black pepper to taste, then toss gently to allow the spinach to wilt.
- Add the basil just before serving.
- Serve warm, topped with extra fresh basil and parsley, and enjoy with your favorite grated cheese on top.
Notes
Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: one-pan, turkey sausage, spinach, tortellini, quick meal, easy recipe