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Square overhead image of sausage and cheese tortellini in a cast iron skillet.
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Italian Sausage and Cheese Tortellini Skillet

We can never have enough quick and flavorful cheese tortellini recipes, and this 30-minute one-skillet dinner is definitely a winner!
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Keyword cheese tortellini, cheese tortellini recipe, cheese tortellini recipes, tortellini recipes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 5 people
Calories 596kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced or pressed fresh garlic (about 3 large cloves)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, not drained
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce (about 2 ½ cups total)
  • ¾ cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
  • 1-2 cups grated Italian cheese blend (or shredded mozzarella cheese)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage and onion over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is starting to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic; cook until fragrant, about 30 more seconds. Drain off excess grease.
    Browning Italian sausage in a cast iron skillet
  • Stir in tomatoes and their juices, marinara sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir in tortellini and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally so that the pasta doesn’t stick.
    Process shot showing how to make cheese tortellini recipes
  • Stir in parsley and sprinkle Italian cheese blend and Parmesan cheese on top. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Alternatively, for a crispier browned top, place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes (just make sure that your skillet is oven-proof!). Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired.
    Sprinkling cheese on top of a cheese tortellini recipe

Notes

  • The total cooking time will vary depending on the size and brand of tortellini that you use. Keep a close eye on it and remove the dish from the heat as soon as the pasta is al dente. It will continue to soften in the sauce, and you don't want it to be overdone and mushy.
  • The cheese will melt on top of the hot pasta with a lid; however, if you like a crispier, browned cheese on top of your dish, feel free to transfer the skillet to the broiler for a couple of minutes at the very end. Just make sure that you're using an oven-proof skillet (such as a cast iron pan).
  • Use a skillet that's at least 12 inches in diameter so that it accommodates all of the ingredients. If you don't have a skillet this size, a Dutch oven will also work.
  • Add other fresh herbs to the skillet for more flavor. Good options include basil, thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/5 of the recipe | Calories: 596kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 2061mg | Potassium: 862mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 957IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 342mg | Iron: 5mg