A rich and simple pasta dish with sausage, garlic, and Parmesan.
introduction
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Sausage is easy and fast. It has soft cheese tortellini, cooked Italian sausage, tender broccoli, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It works for a busy weeknight or a quick dinner for family. If you want another quick garlic meal idea, see Lemon Garlic Parmesan Cod for a simple fish option.
why make this recipe
- It cooks fast and fills the plate.
- The sauce is rich and uses few ingredients.
- Kids and adults like the cheesy tortellini and sausage.
- You can change the heat or vegetables to match what you have.
how to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Sausage
Make the sausage first so it browns well. Then make the garlic cream sauce in the same pan so you keep the flavor. Cook the tortellini in boiling water and throw in broccoli near the end to save time. Toss everything together and heat just until the sauce coats the pasta. For a quick side idea that also uses garlic and Parmesan, check Lemon Garlic Parmesan Cod.
Ingredients :
- 1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini
- 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions :
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks until browned. Transfer to a plate. Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth; season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook cheese tortellini in salted boiling water as per package instructions, adding broccoli during the last 2-3 minutes. Drain tortellini and broccoli. Return sausage, drained tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet with sauce, toss to coat. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
how to serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Sausage
- Serve hot from the pan.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan and a grind of black pepper on top.
- Add a green salad or garlic bread on the side.
- A squeeze of lemon can brighten the dish if you like.
how to store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Sausage
- Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- You can freeze, but the cream sauce may change texture. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Sausage
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini; follow the package time for al dente.
- Cook broccoli with the pasta so it stays bright and slightly firm.
- If sauce gets too thick, add a little pasta water or cream.
- For more garlic ideas, you can see Lemon Garlic Parmesan Cod for inspiration.
variation (if any)
- Swap broccoli for spinach, peas, or asparagus.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage.
- Try spicy sausage for more heat or sweet sausage for a milder flavor.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy touch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes. Add a minute or two to the cook time if needed. Follow package directions.
Q: Can I make this without heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner. Add more Parmesan to thicken slightly.
Q: Is this dish freezer friendly?
A: You can freeze it, but the cream may separate. Thaw and reheat slowly, stirring to bring it back together.
Q: How do I make it vegetarian?
A: Skip the sausage and add mushrooms, more broccoli, or a plant-based sausage.
Conclusion
For a similar creamy pasta idea with sausage and tortellini, see Creamy Sausage Tortellini – Jo Cooks.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Sausage
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
A rich and simple pasta dish featuring cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini
- 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth; season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Cook cheese tortellini in salted boiling water as per package instructions, adding broccoli during the last 2-3 minutes.
- Drain tortellini and broccoli.
- Return sausage, drained tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet with sauce, toss to coat.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melt and flavor. Don’t overcook the tortellini; follow package instructions for al dente.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: pasta, creamy, sausage, garlic, Parmesan, quick dinner