Creamy Garlic Parm Tortellini with Beef Sausage & Broccoli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. From the very first forkful, you’ll understand why this dish has quickly become a beloved comfort food in countless kitchens. While tortellini, those delightful ring-shaped pasta parcels, originate from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, traditionally filled and often served in broth, our modern rendition embraces a heartier, more contemporary approach, perfectly blending classic Italian-American flavors with wholesome additions.

Prepare yourself for a culinary journey that perfectly balances indulgence with wholesome goodness!

It’s the kind of dish that effortlessly brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds. The luscious, rich cream sauce clings perfectly to every piece of tender tortellini, while the savory kick of the seasoned sausage and the refreshing bite of crisp-tender broccoli create a symphony of flavors and textures. This incredible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli is remarkably satisfying, surprisingly easy to prepare, and truly a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for any weeknight dinner or special gathering. I am confident that once you taste it, it will quickly become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (or meat tortellini, your preference!), my personal favorite is a good quality fresh tortellini for the best texture in our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli.
• 1 pound mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed. I often opt for mild to let the other flavors shine, but hot is fantastic if you love a little kick!
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen, no need to thaw beforehand.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided. We’ll use this for both sautéing and building our luxurious sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for browning the sausage and getting our veggies started.
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced. This adds a wonderful aromatic base to our sauce.
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic; it’s a star in this dish!
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. This will help us create a perfectly thickened, smooth sauce.
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium is often my choice to control salt levels). Vegetable broth works just as well if you prefer.
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream. This is where the “creamy” in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli really comes from, so don’t skimp!
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving. Using freshly grated is absolutely essential for the best melting and flavor – pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty.
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I love the subtle warmth it adds).
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.

Preparation Time:

Approximately 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

Approximately 30 minutes

Servings:

4-6 happy eaters

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Large pot for cooking tortellini
• Large skillet or Dutch oven (at least 12-inch)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Cheese grater (if grating fresh Parmesan)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Get ready to create a truly comforting and incredibly flavorful meal. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli is one of my go-to recipes for a reason – it’s satisfying, relatively quick, and universally loved. I promise you’ll be adding this to your regular rotation!

Part 1: Prepping Your Ingredients

1. First things first, let’s get everything ready before we even think about turning on the stove. This is called “mise en place,” and it makes the entire cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling for ingredients mid-sauce creation!
2. Unpack the Sausage: If you’re using Italian sausage with casings, carefully slice down one side of each sausage link with a sharp knife and peel off the casings. Discard them. This prepares our sausage for crumbling and browning.
3. Chop Your Veggies: Finely dice your large yellow onion. Mince all those lovely garlic cloves. If your broccoli isn’t already in florets, chop the head into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size so they cook evenly.
4. Grate the Parmesan: If you’re using a block of Parmesan (which I highly recommend!), take a moment to grate about 1 cup. Having it ready means you can quickly whisk it into the sauce without delay, ensuring a smooth melt.
5. Measure Everything Else: Measure out your flour, broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Chop your fresh parsley for garnish. Having all these components prepped and within arm’s reach is a game-changer!

Part 2: Cooking the Sausage and Broccoli

6. Brown the Sausage: Place your large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the removed Italian sausage to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, crumbling it into small, even pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the sausage is beautifully browned and cooked through. You want a nice, caramelized crust on some of the pieces – that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from!
7. Drain Excess Fat: Once the sausage is thoroughly cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with a paper towel. This helps to absorb any excess grease, making our final dish less oily. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the rendered sausage fat in the pan – this adds incredible flavor to our next steps. If there’s more than a tablespoon, carefully spoon some out.
8. Sauté the Broccoli: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet with the reserved sausage fat. Add your bite-sized broccoli florets. Sauté the broccoli for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s tender-crisp and has a vibrant green color. You want it cooked enough to be pleasant to eat but still have a slight bite to it. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can cook it a minute or two longer, but I love the texture contrast of tender-crisp. Transfer the cooked broccoli to the plate with the sausage.

Part 3: Crafting the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

9. Build the Roux Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Once the butter has melted and is gently bubbling, add your finely diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has softened and turned translucent. This gentle cooking allows the onion to release its sweet flavors.
10. Introduce the Garlic: Now, add your minced garlic to the pan. Cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. You’ll notice an amazing, fragrant aroma filling your kitchen – that’s when you know it’s ready!
11. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir constantly with your wooden spoon or whisk for 1-2 minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste. This mixture, known as a roux, will be the thickening agent for our rich sauce. It should look like a pale, thick paste.
12. Whisk in the Broth: Gradually pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Start with a small amount of broth to create a thick paste, then slowly add the rest. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes. It should begin to gently bubble.
13. Add the Cream: Pour in the 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, but do not let it come to a rolling boil. Continue to stir occasionally as it simmers, allowing it to thicken to your desired consistency. This usually takes another 3-5 minutes. The sauce should beautifully coat the back of a spoon.
14. The Parmesan Power: Remove the skillet from the heat. This is an important step to prevent the Parmesan from clumping. Stir in the 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated, creating a velvety, smooth sauce. This truly makes it a Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli!
15. Season to Perfection: Taste the sauce and season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and the optional 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Remember, the Parmesan cheese is salty, so always taste before adding more salt. Adjust seasonings as needed until it’s just right for your palate.

Part 4: Bringing It All Together: The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli

16. Cook the Tortellini: While you’re making the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Fresh tortellini usually cooks very quickly, often in just 2-4 minutes. Frozen tortellini might take a little longer. You want it tender but still with a slight chew.
17. Drain Thoroughly: Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it well in a colander. There’s no need to rinse it.
18. Combine Everything: Add the drained tortellini, the cooked Italian sausage, and the tender-crisp broccoli florets directly into the skillet with your rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Gently toss everything together with tongs or a large spoon until all the ingredients are evenly coated in that luscious sauce. Take your time here, ensuring every piece of tortellini, every crumble of sausage, and every floret of broccoli is enveloped in the creamy goodness.
19. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove! Divide the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli among serving bowls. Garnish generously with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness.

Chef’s Tips for Perfection:

• Freshness is Key: For the absolute best flavor in your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli, I cannot stress enough the importance of fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic, fresh Parmesan, and fresh broccoli will elevate this dish tremendously. Pre-minced garlic and pre-shredded cheese just don’t have the same vibrancy or melting quality.
• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Tortellini cooks very quickly, especially fresh varieties. Pay close attention to the package instructions and aim for al dente. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy and lose its delightful texture in the sauce.
• Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If your sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash more chicken broth or even a little reserved tortellini cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes, stirring, to allow it to reduce slightly.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You could also use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. A pinch of cayenne pepper in the sauce would also add a lovely warmth.
• Make it Vegetarian: Easily adapt this recipe by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth. You could add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and texture!
• Reheating Leftovers: Leftovers of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli are delicious! When reheating, you might find the sauce has thickened quite a bit. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce back up to its creamy consistency.
• Enhance the Umami: For an extra layer of savory depth in your sauce, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce along with the cream. These ingredients don’t make the sauce taste like mustard or Worcestershire but instead amplify the other flavors beautifully.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up our culinary journey with this incredible dish, I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about trying the recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli. This isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s an invitation to experience pure comfort and an explosion of harmonious flavors in a single, satisfying bowl. What makes it a must-try, in my humble opinion, is its uncanny ability to be both incredibly indulgent and surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Imagine perfectly cooked tortellini, each bite bursting with its cheesy filling, enveloped in a luxuriously smooth, garlicky, and rich Parmesan cream sauce. Then, add the savory, slightly spicy kick of your favorite Italian sausage, perfectly balanced by the vibrant freshness and subtle earthiness of crisp-tender broccoli florets. It’s a symphony for your taste buds, a meal that feels special enough for a celebratory dinner but is practical enough for a bustling weeknight. The interplay of textures – the tender pasta, the crumbly sausage, the slight bite of broccoli – creates a truly memorable dining experience that you and your loved ones will undoubtedly rave about for days.

One of the many beauties of this particular recipe is its versatility and the endless possibilities for customization, allowing you to truly make it your own. While the core ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli are undeniably fantastic, don’t hesitate to experiment! For serving, I always recommend a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add a refreshing element to your plate. A slice of warm, crusty bread, perhaps toasted with a little butter and garlic, is also an absolute essential for soaking up every last drop of that glorious sauce. If you’re looking to elevate the experience further, a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would complement the flavors beautifully.

When it comes to variations, the sky’s the limit! If Italian sausage isn’t quite your preference, feel free to substitute it with seasoned ground chicken or turkey, or even pan-seared shrimp for a delightful seafood twist. For my fellow vegetarians, roasted mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cannellini beans can stand in wonderfully for the sausage, adding their own unique depth of flavor. You could also introduce other vegetables into the mix; spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, asparagus spears add an elegant touch, or diced bell peppers could bring a pop of color and sweetness. Perhaps a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who crave a bit more heat, or a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley just before serving to brighten up the overall profile. Don’t be shy about trying different tortellini fillings either – a spinach and ricotta tortellini would work just as magically as a classic cheese-filled one. This flexibility ensures that this recipe can adapt to almost any pantry and palate, making it a true kitchen chameleon.

Now comes the most important part: your turn! I genuinely can’t wait for you to experience the sheer delight of making and tasting this dish. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to create something truly delicious and share it with those you care about. Cooking should be an adventure, a creative outlet, and above all, a source of joy. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and dive into crafting this wonderful meal. I’m confident that once you take that first bite of your homemade Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli, you’ll understand exactly why I’ve championed it so enthusiastically. Please, please, please, after you’ve had a chance to try it, come back and share your experience with me! Did you make any exciting variations? What did your family think? Your feedback and culinary adventures inspire me, and I absolutely love hearing about how these recipes come to life in your kitchens. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!