• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Toasty Kitchen

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • FAQ

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • FAQ

×
Home » Recipes » Easy Meals

Andouille Sausage Tortellini Skillet

Modified: Jan 28, 2025 · Published: Nov 2, 2017 by Heather · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 1127 words. · About 6 minutes to read this article.

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

Andouille sausage tortellini skillet is a flavorful, cheesy dinner that's ready in only 30 minutes. Cheesy tortellini and spicy andouille sausage are cooked in a creamy tomato sauce in a single pan on the stovetop.

Very easy and very delicious. I usually make Cajun recipes that are more complicated and more work. This is a winner! ★★★★★ - Irene

Saute pan filled with tortellini and sausage on a white wood counter.

Why this recipe works

One pan. The entire recipe is made in a single sauté pan on the stovetop.

Quick. There's minimal prep involved, so dinner can be ready in 30 minutes or less!

Flavorful. Andouille sausage adds hot, Cajun flavor that goes well with the creamy tomato sauce and cheese tortellini.

Similar to: Corn Chowder with Sausage and Sausage Tortellini Soup

Jump to:
  • Why this recipe works
  • Ingredients and substitutions
  • How to make andouille sausage tortellini
  • Tips and tricks
  • Storage
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Recommended
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Comments

Ingredients and substitutions

Ingredients on a counter top.
  • Olive oil - Can be substituted with any cooking oil you keep on hand.
  • Andouille sausage - I recommend andouille sausage for this recipe, since it's the star of the show in this dish. It adds a significant amount of flavor to the dish and shouldn't be substituted with unseasoned meat. If you can't find andouille sausage, spicy or mild Italian sausage or chorizo would work as a substitute.
  • Onion - Adds flavor to the dish. I don't recommend omitting the onion.
  • Tomato - You'll need one 14.5 ounce can of petite diced tomatoes for this recipe.
  • Broth - Chicken broth is my go to, because I always keep some on hand. However, vegetable broth would work as a substitute.
  • Seasoning - Garlic powder, salt, and pepper add flavor to the dish. Feel free to add ½ teaspoon of Cajun season to make your skillet meal even spicier.
  • Tortellini - Cheese tortellini works best in this recipe. This recipe will work with refrigerated, uncooked tortellini or frozen tortellini. If using dried tortellini, you may need to add a splash of water to account for the extra liquid they'll absorb.
  • Heavy cream - Thickens your sauce and adds creaminess to the dish. I do not recommend substituting with milk - the sauce will turn out thin.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese - I recommend freshly grating your cheese from a block for a smooth consistency when melted. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in anti-clumping powders that become grainy when melted.

How to make andouille sausage tortellini

Making andouille sausage tortellini in a metal sauté pan on the stovetop.
  1. First, brown your andouille sausage and onion in a sauté pan.
  2. Next, add the tortellini, broth, seasoning, and tomatoes to the pan. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and allow tortellini to cook through to al dente.
  3. Then, add heavy cream and stir to incorporate. Top with shredded cheese and remove from heat.
  4. Allow your skillet to rest for 5 minutes to allow cheese to melt and sauce to thicken slightly before serving.

Tips and tricks

Pasta starches - There are no thickening agents in this recipe, like flour or cornstarch. Instead, we're using the starches released from the cooking pasta to help thicken the sauce naturally. If the ingredients are measured exactly, you'll have just enough liquid to cook the pasta and create a sauce.

Excess liquid after cooking pasta? Once your pasta has finished cooking, most of the liquid should be absorbed. If there's a lot of excess liquid sitting in the pan, feel free to drain some of this out. Your pasta may not have absorbed as much liquid or slightly too much liquid was added to the pan initially.

How to thicken sauce - If your sauce looks thin after adding the heavy cream and cheese, remove the finished dish from the heat and allow it to sit, uncovered, for 5 minutes. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it stands and the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Storage

Cajun tortellini meal keeps well as a leftover and can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Frequently asked questions

Saute pan filled with tortellini and sausage.
Can I use fresh/frozen/dry tortellini?

This recipe is written for refrigerated tortellini. However, fresh homemade, frozen, and dry tortellini will also work. Cooking time will vary based on type of tortellini. I highly recommend following the recipe or package directions for the tortellini you have on hand, because different types and brands of tortellini cook at different rates. Dry tortellini may need extra liquid, so keep an eye on the pan and add an extra splash of water as needed.

Can I use half & half or light cream instead?

Yes, but expect your sauce to turn out a bit thinner. If you see a good amount of standing liquid after cooking your tortellini, be sure to drain it from the pan before adding the dairy. This helps ensure your sauce turns out as thick and creamy as possible.

Recommended

  • A white bowl filled with corn chowder with andouille sausage.
    Corn Chowder with Sausage
  • Cajun shrimp and sausage skillet recipe.
    Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
  • A fork twirling fettuccine alfredo in a sauté pan with Cajun chicken.
    Cajun Chicken Alfredo
  • Close up of a metal spoon in a bowl of sausage tortellini soup.
    Sausage Tortellini Soup

📖 Recipe

Saute pan filled with tortellini and sausage on a white wood counter.
Pin Print Rate
4.72 from 109 reviews

Andouille Sausage Tortellini Skillet

Andouille sausage tortellini skillet is a flavorful, cheesy dinner that's ready in only 30 minutes. Cheesy tortellini and spicy andouille sausage are cooked in a creamy tomato sauce in a single pan on the stovetop.
Prep Time5 minutes minutes
Cook Time25 minutes minutes
Total Time30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 729kcal
Author: Heather

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 14.5 ounces canned petite diced tomatoes
  • 8 ounces chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • In a sauté pan over medium heat, add olive oil. When hot, add sliced andouille sausage and onions and cook until sausage is browned on both sides, about 5 minutes.
  • Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and tortellini. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until pasta is al dente (check your pasta package's cooking directions for exact times). Most of the liquid should be absorbed in this step. If excess liquid remains in the pan, drain all but ¼ cup and return to the stovetop.
  • Remove lid and add heavy cream. Stir and cook until warmed through, about a minute.
  • Remove from heat. Add cheddar cheese, stir, and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Sauce will continue to thicken as it stands.

Equipment Recommendations

  • Stainless Steel Saute Pan
  • Zwilling Pro Chef's Knife
  • Red Spoonula Set
  • Pyrex Liquid Measuring Cups

Notes

  • Garnish: Optionally, add scallions or chives as a garnish. 
  • Types of tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini can be substituted with frozen or dried tortellini. If using dried, you may need to add an extra splash of liquid to the pan while your pasta cooks. No matter what type of pasta is used, follow the package directions for cooking times. 
  • Sausage substitute: Andouille sausage can be substituted with your favorite type of sausage - chorizo or Italian sausage are great choices.
  • Sauce look thin? If your sauce looks thin, allow it to set for 5 minutes. The pasta will continually absorb liquid as it sits and the sauce continues to thicken as it cools. 

Nutrition Estimate

Serving: 0.25of skillet | Calories: 729kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 154mg | Sodium: 1676mg | Potassium: 554mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 734IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 272mg | Iron: 4mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

More Easy Meals

  • Two plates of pasta with sliced chicken breast laid on top.
    Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
  • A casserole of stuffed pasta with cream sauce.
    Tuscan Stuffed Shells
  • A casserole dish of beef stuffed shells.
    Beef Stuffed Shells
  • Several garlic pan pizzas on a sheet pan.
    Garlic Bread Pizza

Share this post:

Reader Interactions

Comments

    4.72 from 109 votes (92 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Kathy

    April 28, 2025 at 7:01 pm

    I added spinach. ItsSooo good!

    Reply
  2. Kelley

    November 07, 2024 at 5:54 pm

    Absolute family favorite! I add a few cups of frozen spinach/kale before adding the cream and substitute smoked Gouda instead of cheddar. It’s amazing!

    Reply
  3. April

    July 31, 2024 at 7:13 pm

    My family loves this recipe! Id make it once a week if it were up to them!

    Reply
    • Heather

      July 31, 2024 at 7:37 pm

      Thanks April!

      Reply
  4. Corrine

    July 30, 2024 at 4:00 pm

    Would you say this recipe freezes well after cooking?

    Reply
    • Heather

      July 30, 2024 at 8:26 pm

      I wouldn't recommend freezing leftovers, cooked pasta doesn't hold up well to freezing and dairy based sauces tend to split and get grainy.

      Reply
  5. JME

    April 18, 2024 at 10:25 pm

    This is excellent! Very tasty and more elegant than I expected. I'm glad I tried the recipe. It's great!

    Reply
    • Heather

      April 19, 2024 at 8:41 am

      Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  6. Leah Coleman

    February 08, 2024 at 6:21 pm

    Just had this. It was quick and delicious!. I love it when I find a recipe and have everything on hand. I used light cream as that is what I had. The sauce was a little thin, but just scooped some liquid out before adding the ceeam and it was perfect! I did add a little extra garlic and some dried oregano and basil.
    This is a keeper!

    Reply
  7. Linda

    November 14, 2023 at 4:58 pm

    We are eating this as I type. This is delightful, its quick, and it's easy. I added fresh spinach and parmesan cheese. Can't wait for leftovers. Yall gotta try this!

    Reply
  8. Irene T.

    September 10, 2023 at 6:40 pm

    Very Easy and Very Delicious. I usually make cajun recipes that are more complicated and more work. This is a winner!

    Reply
  9. Mary S

    May 23, 2023 at 8:15 am

    Good question Liz (below). I drained half of it. I followed all of the suggestions chorizio too spicy for my belly. I used sweet and marinated with the onion, garlic, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp regular paprika & a spritz of olive oil. It was a huge hit ! Thank You Heather your tips are spot on. I will definitely make this again!

    Reply
  10. Liz

    May 15, 2023 at 9:46 pm

    Are you supposed to drain the diced tomatoes? Because many pasta recipes it wants the juice to be in it? Super beginner cook and my was very liquid-y and more orange/red than your picture

    Reply
    • Heather

      May 16, 2023 at 1:14 pm

      Hi Liz, the liquid from the tomatoes and the chicken broth are absorbed by the tortellini as it cooks in the pan, so there should be very little liquid left after the pasta has cooked. Next time, if there's still a lot of liquid in the pan after the pasta has cooked, some of that can be drained out before adding the heavy cream and cheese.

      Reply
  11. Kari

    February 07, 2023 at 9:55 pm

    I made this and I loved it. The flavor was very good despite not having a lot of seasoning in it. I will definitely be making this on a regular basis.Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Rachel scott

      November 03, 2023 at 7:40 pm

      Can you freeze leftovers ?

      Reply
      • Heather

        November 03, 2023 at 7:53 pm

        Cooked pasta as well as dairy-based sauces don't freeze and thaw well, so I wouldn't recommend freezing this recipe.

        Reply
  12. Daniella Gutierrez

    June 14, 2022 at 9:01 pm

    I’ve made this several times! Easy week day meal that tastes like it took a lot longer to make than it does. I use milk and minced garlic. I’ve used dried, frozen and refrigerated tortellini and they’ve all come out great. Aldi’s has dried tortellini for under $2 in mushroom and cheese options.

    Reply
  13. Marissa

    May 26, 2022 at 8:07 am

    Easy and delicious meal! 10/10 will definitely make this again =)

    Reply
  14. Becky

    April 22, 2022 at 3:13 pm

    Delicious!
    added smoked paprika. And had no half and half so used milk. Still turned out great. I see this in our meal rotation!!

    Reply
  15. Jennifer Dunn

    February 04, 2022 at 9:40 am

    My husband & I loved it! I used Rotel instead of the diced tomatoes and added Alfredo sauce instead of the heavy cream & cheese because I didn’t have it but it still came out delicious! I also used frozen tortellini. I would leave a picture but it won’t let me.

    Reply
  16. Kathy O

    July 24, 2021 at 2:49 pm

    Can frozen tortellini be used? If so, should it be parboiled? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Heather

      July 24, 2021 at 2:57 pm

      Frozen tortellini will work as a substitute! Just toss them in as directed - they may need one extra minute of cooking time.

      Reply
  17. Denise Resler

    March 26, 2021 at 11:06 pm

    I made this for dinner last night. I thought it was wonderful. It was so easy to put together and the flavors were great. The sausage gave it just enough heat to make it flavorful. We did sprinkle the top with a little parmesan cheese and loved it. Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply
  18. Beth A

    February 22, 2021 at 11:51 am

    Very delicious! Everyone loved it! Thanks

    Reply
  19. Kristen

    January 12, 2021 at 8:41 am

    If using dried tortellini, would you recommend cooking according to package first? I did not read your recipe well enough and bought dry instead of fresh!

    Reply
    • Heather

      January 12, 2021 at 8:46 am

      Hi Kristen, dry tortellini should still work in this recipe. Your skillet meal will need a bit longer to cook (I'd check the dry tortellini package for cooking times) and you may need to add a splash or two of water if the pan begins to dry out. Let us know how it goes!

      Reply
  20. beth

    October 16, 2020 at 9:48 am

    I have half and half but not cream, can i use that? adjustments?

    Reply
    • Heather

      October 16, 2020 at 9:53 am

      Hi Beth! Half & half should work, but your sauce may be a little on the thin side. I'd recommend using about 1/3 of a cup, checking the consistency, then adding more as desired.

      Reply
      • beth

        October 16, 2020 at 10:03 am

        thanks, i never have heavy cream, but
        always have half and half.

        Reply
  21. Norma

    July 12, 2020 at 8:42 pm

    Used fire roasted tomatoes and instead of heavy cream used half evaporated milk and half sour cream. Was great!

    Reply
  22. Michael

    March 15, 2020 at 10:06 am

    Really enjoyed the recipe. Felt like the spice level was not up to where I would like for it to be. So next time I may dice up a jalapeno or two and throw that in. That's just me though. Still very tasty

    Reply
    • Heather

      March 15, 2020 at 10:09 am

      Glad you enjoyed the recipe, Mike! Jalapenos sound like a great addition.

      Reply
  23. Scott Moberly

    February 06, 2020 at 2:38 pm

    This was very good…35 minutes, start to finish….may try fire roasted tomatoes the next time.

    Reply
    • Heather

      February 06, 2020 at 2:53 pm

      Thank you for the great review, Scott. Glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  24. Holly

    February 05, 2020 at 10:05 pm

    So I bought the tortellini from the refrigerator section and later found out you can buy it dry. Which one should I use?

    Reply
    • Heather

      February 05, 2020 at 10:11 pm

      Hi holly, I used the refrigerated tortellini for this recipe.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Heather of The Toasty Kitchen

Hi, I'm Heather!

I love cooking with simple, everyday ingredients and want to help you make homemade meals with ease.

Read more

Reader favorites

  • A metal fork in a bowl of cheesy rice.
    Cheesy Rice
  • Whipped buttercream frosting recipe.
    Whipped Buttercream Frosting
  • Beef roast in a large slow cooker.
    Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
  • Pouring gravy over a bowl of mashed potatoes.
    How To Make Gravy Without Drippings

Parties & Potlucks

  • Two glasses of punch.
    Spring Party Punch
  • A mint chocolate chip mini cheesecake unwrapped on a cutting board.
    Mint Chocolate Chip Mini Cheesecakes
  • A stack of birthday cake rice krispies treats.
    Birthday Cake Rice Krispies Treats
  • A stack of birthday cookie bars.
    Birthday Cookie Bars

Footer

featured on:

decorative image of website logos.

Explore

  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Subscribe

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Image Copyright
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 The Toasty Kitchen®

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.