Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Tortellini with Sausage is a comforting, rich, and indulgent dish that combines the savory flavor of Italian sausage with the soft, pillowy texture of tortellini. The creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream ties everything together, making this meal both satisfying and full of flavor. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (9-12 oz) refrigerated tortellini (cheese or meat-filled)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
directions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Use spinach and cheese tortellini for a lighter option.
- Swap out the sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for added flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store Creamy Tortellini with Sausage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the sausage and sauce ahead of time, then store it separately from the tortellini. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.
What type of sausage should I use?
Italian sausage (either mild or spicy) works best, but you can use other types of sausage based on your preference.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the cream may separate slightly when reheated. It’s best to freeze the sausage and sauce mixture separately from the tortellini.
Can I make this dish without cream?
Yes, you can substitute the cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be a little less rich and creamy.
Conclusion
Creamy Tortellini with Sausage is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. The combination of creamy sauce, tender tortellini, and savory sausage is sure to become a favorite in your household. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is a winner every time!
Print
Creamy Tortellini With Sausage
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and creamy dish featuring tender tortellini and flavorful sausage, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) cheese or spinach tortellini, fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, basil, oregano, and Parmesan cheese. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stir to combine, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tortellini to absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
- For added richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter after adding the cream.
- If you prefer spicy sausage, you can use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make it a one-pan meal by adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers while cooking the sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx.)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
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