Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, based on preference)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini (or frozen)
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Construction:

1. Cook the Sausage:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage until it’s fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove any excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Let the broth simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
   • Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 5 minutes.
4. Add Tortellini:
   • Stir in the tortellini, ensuring it’s well coated in the sauce. Cook according to the package instructions (usually about 3-5 minutes for refrigerated tortellini). If using frozen tortellini, it may take a few extra minutes.
5. Add Greens and Cheese:
   • Once the tortellini is cooked, add in the spinach (if using), stirring until it wilts down. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve warm.

Variations:

1. Meat Options:
   • Use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage for a lighter version.
   • Add bacon for extra flavor.
2. Vegetarian Version:
   • Replace the sausage with mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version.
   • Skip the meat and increase the amount of spinach or add other vegetables like bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Different Pasta:
   • Swap the tortellini with other pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle.
4. Spicy Version:
   • Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili for some extra heat.
5. Cheese:
   • Add a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella or gouda, to make the dish even creamier.

Tips:

1. Prevent Overcooking Tortellini: Make sure you don’t overcook the tortellini as it can become mushy. Once they float and become tender, they’re done.
2. Use Full-fat Cream: For a richer and creamier sauce, use full-fat heavy cream. You can substitute with half-and-half if you prefer a lighter option.
3. Save Pasta Water: Before draining the tortellini, reserve a small cup of pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed.
4. Customizable Protein: You can swap out the sausage for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon, depending on your preference.
5. Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.

Enjoy your creamy, comforting skillet meal!