Description
This Creamy Tortellini Sausage Skillet is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dinner made with mild Italian sausage, three cheese tortellini, kale, and a rich Alfredo sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that combines hearty sausage bites and tender pasta in a creamy, comforting skillet dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage, mild
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 15 oz Buitoni Alfredo sauce
- 20 oz Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini
- 3 cups kale, stems removed, coarsely chopped
Optional
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: Roll the mild Italian sausage into 1/2-inch balls to ensure even cooking and nice searing. This bite-size shape makes them perfect for mixing into the skillet dish.
- Sear the Sausage: Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet with a fitted lid over medium-high heat. Add the sausage balls and sear them on all sides until nicely browned. The sausage won’t be fully cooked at this stage, but browning adds flavor and helps finish cooking later with the pasta.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth, scraping the browned bits off the pan bottom to incorporate that flavor. Add 15 ounces of Buitoni Alfredo sauce and 20 ounces of Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini. Stir everything to combine well, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes. This allows the tortellini to become plump and tender, and the sausage to finish cooking through in the creamy sauce.
- Add the Kale: Stir in 3 cups of chopped kale and cook uncovered for about 2 minutes, just until the kale wilts slightly and is evenly mixed throughout the dish.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for an extra cheesy finish. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, hearty skillet meal!
Notes
- Rolling sausage into balls helps them cook evenly and merge well with the pasta.
- You can substitute kale with spinach or another sturdy leafy green if preferred.
- Using a skillet with a fitted lid allows for even simmering and perfect pasta texture.
- For a lighter version, choose a lighter Alfredo sauce or reduce cheese toppings.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
