Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience! This Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe delivers everything you crave in a bowl: pillowy cheese tortellini, juicy Italian sausage, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce, all finished with a shower of fresh herbs. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels a bit indulgent or you’re entertaining friends on the fly, this stellar recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Every bite is hearty, rich, and downright irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays a starring role. From the robust sausage to the ultra-creamy Alfredo sauce and the pop of fresh greens, every component brings delicious flavors, cozy textures, and beautiful color to your Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe.
- Olive oil: A touch of olive oil helps the sausage brown up perfectly and adds a little fruity flavor to the base.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): Rich, savory, and full of herby goodness, this adds serious depth that anchors the whole dish.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Using fresh tortellini ensures the pasta is tender and the cheesy filling stays creamy.
- Unsalted butter: Melting butter in the pan creates the ultimate base for your Alfredo sauce, lending richness and gloss.
- Garlic (minced): Just a few cloves liven up the sauce with aromatic warmth and classic Italian flavor.
- Heavy cream: The foundation of that luscious Alfredo texture, heavy cream makes this dish irresistibly creamy.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps thin out the sauce just enough to coat every piece of pasta.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts right in for a velvety finish, with a salty note that ties everything together.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper cuts through the richness and brings balance to every bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat that perfectly complements the sausage and cream.
- Baby spinach (optional): Stirring in spinach adds a bright pop of color and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: A fresh herbal finish that brightens up the whole dish right before serving.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the Italian sausage (remember to remove the casings!) and break it up with a spatula. Let it cook until deeply browned and crumbled, about six to eight minutes. When it’s ready, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside for later. Don’t worry about any crispy bits left behind; that’s pure flavor for your sauce!
Step 2: Build the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the butter and let it melt, then sprinkle in the minced garlic. Sauté for just a minute or two, until the garlic smells absolutely irresistible but hasn’t browned. Now pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down and stir in the grated Parmesan, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like a little kick. Continue to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
While your sauce comes together, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Fresh tortellini only needs a few minutes to reach that perfect, tender bite, so keep an eye on it! Drain well and have it ready to add to your luscious Alfredo mixture.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Return the cooked sausage to your Alfredo sauce, then gently add in the drained tortellini. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything together so the pasta and sausage are thoroughly coated in that decadent, cheesy sauce. If you’re using baby spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt gently for one to two minutes, adding a gorgeous green hue and extra nutrition.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Lift your Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe right off the heat and serve hot, topped with lots of chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. The aroma alone will have everyone racing to the table!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a shower of additional Parmesan bring out all the best flavors in your Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe. If you love a little zing, add a dusting of black pepper or even a few chili flakes for some extra flair. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving can add that finishing touch of silkiness, too.
Side Dishes
Pair this luxurious pasta with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness, or offer up some roasted broccoli for crunch. Warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic knots are absolutely dreamy for mopping up the extra Alfredo sauce. You could even serve with a crisp white wine to round out the meal!
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner party, serve portions in shallow pasta bowls and finish each plate tableside with freshly grated Parmesan. If you’re prepping this ahead, spoon the pasta into a big family-style platter and garnish with plenty of herbs for a rustic, inviting vibe. Mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins make adorable individual servings for special occasions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but it becomes deeply flavorful with time.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind the Alfredo sauce may separate slightly upon thawing due to the dairy content. For best results, freeze in single portions and gently reheat, stirring well to help the sauce come together again.
Reheating
To reheat, place your tortellini in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy. Microwaving works too, but stopping to stir every minute or so helps maintain the sauce’s silky texture.
FAQs
What type Main Course
Classic Italian sausage (mild or spicy) is perfect, but chicken sausage or even a plant-based option will work if you’re after a lighter or vegetarian dinner. Just look for flavors that complement the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Can I make this recipe with frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cheese tortellini just need a few extra minutes of boiling time, but they’ll be just as delicious. Be sure to cook until they float and are warmed through.
How do I keep the Alfredo sauce from separating?
The key is to gently simmer and never let the sauce boil rapidly, which can cause the cream to split. Adding the cheese slowly and stirring constantly helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
Is this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe spicy?
It’s only as spicy as you prefer! The basic recipe is mild and kid-friendly; just add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like a little heat.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Baby spinach is an easy addition, but you could also stir in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli for extra color and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe, you’ll want it on repeat for life! Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself after a long day, it’s comfort food at its absolute best. Give it a try soon—you might just discover your new signature pasta dish!
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Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and creamy pasta dish with this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo recipe. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, this Italian-American favorite combines savory Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and a luscious Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
For the Sausage:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the sausage and cook until browned, then set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream and broth, simmer, then stir in Parmesan, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook tortellini according to package instructions, then add to the skillet with the sausage.
- Finish the Dish: Toss to combine, add spinach if desired, and serve hot garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- You can substitute sausage with chicken or plant-based alternatives.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce broth or add more cheese.
- Try mushroom or spinach tortellini for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 840 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
