Indulge in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage Tonight

Imagine a heavenly fusion of perfectly cooked cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. That’s exactly what this “Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli” dish delivers – a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to delight the whole family. Whether you’re craving a satisfying weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend feast, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli

To create this mouthwatering pasta dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 (9-12 oz) package cheese tortellini
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for this delectable pasta dish:

Cook the Tortellini

Start by cooking the tortellini according to the package directions in salted boiling water. Drain the tortellini and set it aside.

Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Cook the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and the broccoli florets. Sauté the broccoli for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside with the sausage.

Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.

Simmer the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked tortellini, sausage, and broccoli back to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat it evenly in the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. If you’d like to add a bit of heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes. Serve this comforting pasta dish immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli dish is a satisfying and well-balanced meal. Each serving contains approximately 580 calories, 35g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, and 28g of protein. The broccoli adds a boost of fiber and essential vitamins, while the cheese tortellini and sausage provide a hearty, filling base.

Variations and Substitutions

If you’d like to adjust this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some ideas to consider:

• Spicier Version: To make the dish spicier, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sauté some diced jalapeños with the sausage.
• Cheese Alternatives: While Parmesan cheese adds a delightful flavor, you can also use other hard, grated cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar texture and taste.
• Protein Substitutions: Instead of Italian sausage, you can use ground chicken, shrimp, or even plant-based sausage alternatives for a meatless option.
• Gluten-Free Version: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to suit your preferences.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, you can also serve it alongside a light soup or a crusty baguette for dipping in the delectable sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, being mindful of the sauce consistency.

FAQs

How can I make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage spicier?

To add some heat to your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced fresh jalapeños into the dish. You can mix in the red pepper flakes when cooking the sauce for a gradual heat infusion, or sauté the jalapeños with the sausage for a more integrated flavor. If you’re using spicy Italian sausage, make sure to balance it with the creaminess of the sauce to avoid overwhelming the dish with heat.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a distinctive flavor and creaminess to the dish, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar texture and saltiness. For a milder flavor, consider using a blend of mozzarella and cream cheese, which will create a rich, creamy sauce while still providing a cheesy element.

What should I serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage?

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are excellent for soaking up the creamy sauce. If you’re looking for something warm, roasted vegetables or a light soup can complement the meal beautifully.

How can I adjust the recipe for a dairy-free version?

To make a dairy-free version of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. For the cheese, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a store-bought dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. Make sure to check that your tortellini is dairy-free, as many brands contain cheese. This way, you can enjoy a creamy, flavorful dish without the dairy!

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta
• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Get ready to indulge in a comforting and delicious pasta dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying pasta masterpiece!

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