Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz cheese tortellini; 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 2 cups broccoli florets; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta, especially when it’s loaded with savory sausage and tender broccoli. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli is the perfect combination of rich, hearty, and satisfying flavors. The cheese-filled tortellini is coated in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, while the sausage adds a deep, savory bite, and the broccoli balances everything with a fresh touch.

I love this dish because it comes together so quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can have an indulgent, restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes, with just a handful of simple ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens while still enjoying a creamy, cheesy pasta dish.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

Quick & Easy – Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes to wash since everything cooks in one pan.
Rich & Creamy – The parmesan garlic sauce is silky smooth and packed with flavor.
Protein-Packed – The sausage adds a delicious, hearty element to the dish.
Veggie Boost – The broccoli adds color, texture, and a nutritious touch.
Customizable – Swap the sausage, use different veggies, or adjust the sauce to your preference.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

When making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli, I recommend using fresh or refrigerated tortellini. They cook quickly, usually in just a few minutes, and have a soft, pillowy texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. You can also use frozen tortellini, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If dried tortellini is your only option, keep in mind that it will take longer to cook and may require extra liquid in the sauce.

As for the filling, cheese tortellini is the best choice for this dish since it enhances the creamy parmesan sauce. However, if you prefer more protein, you can opt for meat-filled tortellini. Spinach and ricotta tortellini would also work well, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Here are some easy substitutions:

Sausage – If you don’t have Italian sausage, you can use ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Broccoli – Swap it with spinach, asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a different veggie option.
Parmesan Cheese – Try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar salty, nutty flavor.
Heavy Cream – If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or even a mix of milk and a bit of cream cheese.
Garlic – Fresh garlic is best, but in a pinch, you can use garlic powder (start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste).
Tortellini – If you don’t have tortellini, you can use ravioli or another filled pasta, though the cooking time may vary.

These substitutions make it easy to adapt the recipe to your personal taste or whatever ingredients you have in your kitchen.

Ingredients for This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

Each ingredient in this dish plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cheese Tortellini – The star of the dish, these little pasta pockets are filled with creamy cheese that melts beautifully into the sauce.
Italian Sausage – Adds a savory, slightly spicy depth of flavor. You can use mild or hot sausage depending on your preference.
Broccoli – Brings freshness, texture, and a nutritious boost to the dish.
Garlic – Infuses the sauce with a rich, aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic works best for a bold taste.
Heavy Cream – Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty richness to the sauce while helping it thicken naturally.
Chicken Broth – Enhances the flavor and helps create a smooth, well-balanced sauce.
Butter – Gives the sauce extra richness and a silky texture.
Olive Oil – Used for cooking the sausage and sautéing the garlic for added depth of flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but adds a little kick to balance the creaminess.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
Fresh Parsley – A final touch for brightness and a pop of color.

These simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Remove the sausage from its casing (if using links) and break it into bite-sized pieces. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3–5 minutes for fresh tortellini. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli

In the same skillet used for the sausage, add a bit more olive oil or butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still bright green.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2–3 minutes. Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to melt it into the sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked sausage and tortellini to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or extra broth to loosen it.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta. For an extra cheesy touch, top with more grated parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, flavorful tortellini dish!

How Long to Cook the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy night. Here’s a general breakdown of the cooking times:

Sausage: 5–7 minutes to brown and cook through.
Tortellini: 3–5 minutes, depending on whether you use fresh, frozen, or dried tortellini.
Broccoli: 3–4 minutes to stay tender but slightly crisp.
Sauce: 5 minutes to simmer and thicken.
Final assembly: 2 minutes to combine all ingredients and let the flavors meld.

Total cook time is around 20 minutes, making this a fast and delicious meal.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

To ensure your tortellini turns out creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, keep these tips in mind:

Don’t overcook the tortellini – Since tortellini cooks quickly, keep an eye on it to avoid mushy pasta. Drain it as soon as it’s al dente.
Use freshly grated parmesan – Pre-grated parmesan doesn’t melt as well and can make the sauce grainy. Grate it fresh for a smoother, creamier texture.
Save some pasta water – If your sauce thickens too much, adding a splash of pasta water will loosen it without making it watery.
Brown the sausage well – Let the sausage develop a nice crust while cooking. This adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Adjust the seasoning – Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and spice level to your liking.
Serve immediately – The sauce thickens as it cools, so enjoy it right away for the best texture.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality tortellini dish every time!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the tortellini – Since tortellini cooks quickly, leaving it in the water too long can make it too soft and cause it to break apart.
Skipping the browning step for the sausage – Let the sausage develop a deep golden-brown crust for extra flavor.
Using pre-shredded parmesan – It doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese and can make the sauce grainy.
Adding the cheese too quickly – If you add parmesan all at once, it can clump. Stir it in gradually for a smooth sauce.
Not draining excess grease from the sausage – Too much grease can make the sauce heavy and oily. Drain if needed before making the sauce.
Overcooking the broccoli – Broccoli should stay bright green and slightly crisp, not mushy.
Not seasoning properly – Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to balance the flavors.
Letting the sauce get too thick – If it thickens too much, add a bit of pasta water or broth to loosen it up.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini?

This dish is rich and creamy, so pairing it with something light or fresh balances out the meal.

1. Garlic Bread

A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

2. Side Salad

A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini make a healthy and flavorful side.

4. Bruschetta

A classic tomato bruschetta adds a fresh, tangy element to the meal.

5. Sautéed Spinach

A quick garlic and olive oil sautéed spinach complements the flavors of the dish.

6. Antipasto Platter

A mix of olives, cured meats, and cheeses makes a great appetizer before serving the tortellini.

7. White Wine

A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

8. Lemon Sorbet

For dessert, a light and refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate after a rich pasta dish.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli stores well and can be enjoyed later. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Freezing: While tortellini can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, store the pasta and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving on high, as it can make the sauce separate.

Estimated Nutrition

The following is an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~600 kcal
Protein: ~25g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Fat: ~35g
Saturated Fat: ~15g
Fiber: ~4g
Sugar: ~4g
Sodium: ~900mg

These numbers can vary based on the ingredients used, so adjust based on your specific dietary needs. If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and a leaner protein option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the sausage and broccoli ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, cook the tortellini and make the sauce fresh for the best texture.

2. How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! If you don’t have tortellini, you can use ravioli or even regular pasta like penne or fettuccine, though the texture will be different.

4. What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

If you’re out of fresh garlic, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute. It won’t be as aromatic, but it still adds flavor.

5. Will frozen tortellini work?

Yes! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Frozen tortellini usually takes a couple of minutes longer to cook.

6. How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a little pasta water, milk, or broth while stirring to loosen it up.

7. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply leave out the sausage or swap it for a plant-based alternative. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

8. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli is a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a comforting dinner. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your friends and family! Enjoy!