Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove casings from sausage if using links. Add sausage to hot, dry skillet and break into bite-sized crumbles. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned all over with no pink remaining. Transfer cooked sausage to a plate using a slotted spoon, leaving rendered fat in skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet with the sausage fat. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add baby spinach in large handfuls, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until all spinach wilts down and turns bright green.
- Return browned sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let warm through for 1 minute.
- While making the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, about 3-4 minutes, until they float and are tender. Drain well in a colander, shaking off excess water.
- Add drained tortellini to the skillet with the creamy sausage mixture. Gently fold together, being careful not to break the tortellini, until everything is coated in sauce.
- Reduce heat to low. Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until both cheeses melt completely and create a creamy, smooth sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Storage: Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store extra sauce separately if possible. Freezes for up to 2 months in individual portions.
Reheating: Add 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk per serving when reheating. Heat gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.
Make-Ahead: Brown sausage and make cream sauce up to 2 hours ahead. Store separately and cook tortellini fresh when ready to serve.
Substitutions: Ground beef or turkey can replace sausage (season with Italian seasoning and fennel). Dried tortellini works but takes 7-10 minutes to cook. Provolone or fontina can replace mozzarella. Use turkey sausage for leaner option. Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for lighter version.
Variations: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with sausage. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes with spinach. Use chicken sausage for different flavor. Add extra garlic or garlic powder for more garlic flavor. Mix in fresh jalapeƱos for heat.
Tips: Use fresh tortellini for best texture. Drain tortellini well to prevent watery sauce. Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth melting. Remove pan from heat before adding cheese if it starts to clump. Start conservatively with salt as sausage and Parmesan are already salty.
