'Marry Me' Sausage Tortellini

There's a reason 'marry me' is in the name of this recipe... if you're trying to impress someone, this is the meal! It's even better when you find out that it's all done in one pan. Italian sausage, veggies, & cheese tortellini, all tossed in a savory creamy sauce. No matter who you make this for, they'll love you more for it ;)

Makes: 4 servinges

INGREDIENTS:

3 tbsp olive oil, divided

1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

1 large zucchini, diced

2 shallots, diced

6 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, roughly chopped

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tbsp flour

2 cups veggie broth, sub chicken broth

10 oz package cheese tortellini

1/4 cup cream or half & half

2 cups spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, + more for garnish

salt & pepper, to taste

1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking up with a wooden spatula, and cook until mostly cooked through.

2. Add the diced zucchini and cook for 3-5 more minutes until it the zucchini is softened and the sausage is fully cooked. Season with salt & pepper, then transfer to a separate bowl using a slotted spoon.

3. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil to the pan, followed by the shallots, garlic, sun dried tomatoes in oil, Italian seasoning, & red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2 minutes until the shallots start to soften.

4. Add the flour, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux. 

5. Add the broth, stirring to incorporate and then bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the tortellini and simmer until the tortellini starts to soften (~10 minutes).

6. Add the sausage & zucchini back to the pan and stir to incorporate. 

7. Remove the pan from heat, then add in the cream, spinach & parmesan. Stir to combine and serve, topping with another sprinkle of parmesan. Bon appétit!
   

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