Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that's incredibly easy to prepare and packed with flavor? Look no further than this One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Tortellini – the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that combines hearty kielbasa, tender tortellini, and a luxuriously creamy sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. In just 20 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that's guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
- 1 package refrigerated tortellini
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of sliced kielbasa, 1 package of refrigerated tortellini, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a medium flame over the stovetop. Add the sliced kielbasa to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the kielbasa is browned and heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the kielbasa is browned, add the package of refrigerated tortellini to the pot. Stir to combine the tortellini with the kielbasa.
- Pour in 4 cups of water (or chicken broth for added flavor) and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes.
- After the tortellini has cooked, gently stir in the 2 cups of fresh spinach. The heat from the pot will wilt the spinach quickly.
- Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the cream thicken slightly.
- Once the cream has thickened, remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Serve the creamy kielbasa tortellini hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh refrigerated tortellini for the best texture and flavor. If possible, opt for a high-quality kielbasa from your local deli or butcher.
- Don't Overcook the Tortellini: Watch the cooking time carefully to ensure your pasta remains tender and doesn't become mushy. Follow the package instructions and test for doneness.
- Customize Your Greens: While the recipe calls for spinach, you can easily substitute with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's smoothness.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a kick, or include additional herbs like fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 120mg
