Name: One Pan Turkey Sausage Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb hot or sweet turkey sausages, casings removed; 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups packed fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil; 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (Classico Four Cheese recommended); 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup water; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·5 from 71 reviews

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this One Pan Turkey Sausage Tortellini Recipe is absolutely the answer. I love this recipe because it comes together in under 30 minutes, uses just one pan (hello, less cleanup!), and somehow feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for busy weeknights. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how the spicy sausage melded with the creamy tortellini and tangy marinara — you’re going to want to make this again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Convenience: No juggling multiple pots means less mess and more time relaxing.
Flavor-Packed: Spicy turkey sausage infuses the sauce, while fresh herbs brighten every bite.
Family Friendly: My kids and friends all go crazy for this dish—and it’s easy to double or halve.
Quick & Satisfying: From start to finish, dinner’s ready in about 30 minutes.

One Pan Turkey Sausage Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this One Pan Turkey Sausage Tortellini Recipe is how these simple ingredients come together to feel like something special. I usually keep the pantry items stocked, and the fresh spinach adds such a lovely pop of color and nutrition. Pro tip: using refrigerated three cheese tortellini really helps cut down cooking time!

One Pan Turkey Sausage Tortellini Recipe - Ingredients

Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds richness and helps brown the sausage perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that unmistakable aromatic base you want.
Turkey sausage: I prefer hot for a little kick, but sweet works well too if you’re sensitive to spice.
Marinara sauce: I like Classico Four Cheese for a creamy tomato flavor that complements the sausage beautifully.
Diced tomatoes: These add texture and deepen the sauce.
Chicken broth: Low sodium is best to control saltiness and adds subtle savory notes.
Water: Helps thin the sauce enough to cook the tortellini without needing extra pots.
Three cheese tortellini: Keep it refrigerated for best results and a tender filling.
Fresh spinach: Adds bright color and softens nicely when tossed in at the end.
Fresh parsley: For a fresh herbal lift just before serving.
Black pepper: Essential seasoning—you’ll want to adjust to your taste.
Fresh basil: Added last for that signature Italian aroma and flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I really encourage you to make this dish yours by tweaking it to what you have on hand or what your family prefers. I’ve tried it with all kinds of sausage and even swapped spinach for kale when I was out—both still came out great, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Vegetarian Variation: Swap turkey sausage for sautéed mushrooms and a bit of smoked paprika to get that hearty, smoky feel without the meat.
Spice it Up: Adding red chili flakes when cooking the garlic makes this dish pack a serious punch if you like heat.
Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top right before serving for extra melty goodness.
Seasonal Swap: In fall or winter, I love stirring in some roasted butternut squash cubes with the spinach for sweetness and texture.

How to Make One Pan Turkey Sausage Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Next, add the turkey sausage (casings removed) and start breaking it up gently with your wooden spoon. Keep stirring and breaking it down until fully cooked through and starting to brown, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. This step is crucial because browning the sausage builds that deep savory flavor you’ll taste in the final dish.

Step 2: Combine Sauces and Liquids

Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, and water. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is a great time to scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan—they’re flavor gold! The liquids help cook the tortellini later, so don’t skip the water and broth.

Step 3: Add Tortellini and Simmer

Toss in your refrigerated tortellini directly into the sauce and gently press them down so they are submerged. Now reduce the heat to medium-low and cover your pan with a lid. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking. The pasta will soak up the sauce while cooking, making every bite creamy and delicious. If at any point the sauce looks too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Step 4: Stir in Greens and Fresh Herbs

Once the tortellini is tender, add the chopped fresh spinach and parsley, tossing gently to let the spinach wilt while retaining its vibrant color. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Salt is optional depending on how salty your marinara is—mine is usually salty enough on its own. Finally, stir in the fresh basil for a burst of herbal aroma just before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy at the peak of flavor and texture.

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Pro Tips for Making One Pan Turkey Sausage Tortellini Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a skillet or pot big enough so the sausage and tortellini have room to cook evenly.
Watch Your Simmer: Adjust the heat to keep a gentle simmer—too high and the sauce reduces too quickly, too low and the pasta won’t cook properly.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Add basil and parsley at the end to keep their flavors bright and fresh instead of bitter.
Use Refrigerated Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks much faster than dried, so it’s perfect for a quick, one-pan dinner.

How to Serve One Pan Turkey Sausage Tortellini Recipe

One Pan Turkey Sausage Tortellini Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra torn basil leaves on top right before serving. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also adds a nice kick if you want more heat. Sometimes a drizzle of good quality olive oil finishes the dish beautifully and gives it a lovely shine.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but I’ve enjoyed pairing it with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to sop up that delicious sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli also round out the meal nicely if you want to add a green side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve this One Pan Turkey Sausage Tortellini Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of basil on the side. Another fun idea is to transfer it into a warm casserole dish right from the stove to keep guests reaching for seconds. If you’re brunching, a sunny side up egg on top adds a comforting twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini absorbs the sauce as it sits, so it can get thicker—just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully a couple of times. Just let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove, adding a little broth to keep it creamy.

Reheating

Reheating on the stovetop is my favorite way to keep the texture just right. Use medium-low heat and stir frequently, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Microwave works in a pinch, but watch the time to avoid drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?

You can, but dried tortellini will take longer to cook. You’ll likely need to increase the simmering time and add more liquid as it absorbs more water. I usually stick with refrigerated tortellini for this quick one-pan recipe because it cooks perfectly in about 10 minutes.
What if I don’t have turkey sausage? Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work fine. Just season generously with Italian herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes for that signature flavor. Cooking times will be about the same.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written isn’t gluten-free because most tortellini contain wheat. However, you can swap in gluten-free tortellini or make homemade gluten-free pasta to adapt it to your needs.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the turkey sausage with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or use a plant-based sausage alternative. The rest of the ingredients stay the same, and the dish still turns out delicious.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Turkey Sausage Tortellini Recipe has genuinely become a staple in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did, yet still delivers on flavor and comfort. I love sharing it because it’s approachable, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. So the next time you want something easy but impressive, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!