There’s nothing quite as comforting as a dish that brings together silky cheese tortellini, zesty garlic, and hearty Italian sausage in one steaming bowl. This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli is all about layering flavors and textures that hit every note of satisfaction. When you twirl a forkful of those pillowy pasta pockets coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, each bite feels like a warm hug. The vibrant green broccoli florets add a fresh pop of color and a slight crunch that balances the richness of the cream and cheese. And that savory sausage? It’s the ultimate meaty counterpoint that transforms a simple weeknight meal into something special, yet it remains approachable enough for anyone to master—even if you’re just stepping into the kitchen.
Over the years, I’ve found that the secret to an irresistible pasta dinner lies in small details: a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, a squeeze of lemon to brighten the creamy sauce, and a handful of fresh parsley for that final flourish. With just 15 minutes of prep and about 25 minutes of cooking, this recipe offers big payoff without demanding all evening. At 600 calories a serving, it’s a hearty dish perfect for lunch or dinner, and it even doubles as a fantastic meal prep option for busy weekdays. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply craving a soul-soothing bowl of pasta, this recipe checks all the boxes—and you’ll love how easy it is to adjust to your personal taste.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN GARLIC PARMESAN TORTELLINI WITH SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI
Before diving into the cooking steps, let’s talk about the star players in this recipe. Each ingredient brings its own personality and purpose, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor and texture.
- Cheese Tortellini
Soft, filled pasta pockets loaded with creamy cheese that form the delicious base of this dish. They soak up the garlic Parmesan sauce beautifully and add a pleasantly chewy texture.
- Olive Oil
A simple drizzle of olive oil provides the medium for sautéing and prevents ingredients from sticking. It also imparts a subtle fruity note that enhances the overall flavor.
- Italian Sausage
Well-seasoned and juicy, the sausage offers savory depth and a touch of spice. When browned, its rendered fat adds extra flavor to the sauce.
- Broccoli Florets
Vibrant and crisp-tender, broccoli introduces a nutritious boost and color contrast. Its slight crunch balances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Garlic
Minced garlic releases an aromatic punch when sautéed. It’s the essential flavor driver in the creamy sauce, delivering that crave-worthy garlicky taste.
- Heavy Cream
Rich and luscious, heavy cream is the backbone of the sauce, giving it a velvety texture and indulgent mouthfeel.
- Parmesan Cheese
Sharp and salty, grated Parmesan melts into the cream to create that signature cheesy sauce, adding umami and depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper
Simple seasonings that elevate and harmonize all flavors in the dish. They’re adjusted to taste to ensure perfect balance.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
An optional kick of spice that can be dialed up or down for a hint of warmth and heat.
- Fresh Parsley
Chopped parsley adds a bright herbal note and a pop of color when sprinkled on top just before serving.
- Lemon Wedges
Served on the side, lemon wedges allow you to squeeze fresh acidity over the dish, cutting through the richness for a refreshing finish.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC PARMESAN TORTELLINI WITH SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI
Let’s walk through the process for creating this creamy, garlicky wonder. You’ll start by cooking the pasta perfectly, move on to building flavor in the skillet, and finish by combining everything into a cohesive, restaurant-quality meal.
1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 2–3 minutes less than recommended for a firmer bite. Before draining, scoop out and reserve one cup of the pasta water. Then drain the tortellini and set aside.
2. In a spacious skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking up the links with a spoon into bite-sized crumbles. Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.
3. To the same skillet, add broccoli florets. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they turn a brilliant green and become slightly tender. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant and just starts to color.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and turn the heat to low-medium. Allow the cream to come to a gentle simmer, stirring often, until it thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. This step is key for building a thick, velvety sauce.
5. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into the cream. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Continue to cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes until the sauce is luxuriously thick.
6. Return the sausage to the skillet, then add the cooked tortellini. Gently toss everything together so each piece of pasta becomes coated with sauce. If it seems too thick, stir in reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Give it a taste and adjust any seasoning as needed. Serve the tortellini hot, garnished with chopped parsley and optional lemon wedges to add a bright, citrusy finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GARLIC PARMESAN TORTELLINI WITH SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI
When it comes to plating this rich and flavorful dish, simplicity is best—let the creamy sauce and vibrant ingredients shine. By pairing with the right sides and garnishes, you’ll create a meal that’s both balanced and impressive. Think about textures, contrast, and color as you assemble the plate. A crunchy element alongside the silky pasta and a touch of freshness can elevate the experience. Whether you’re serving this for a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, these ideas will help you present your Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli in style.
- Serve with toasted garlic bread on the side. The crisp exterior and buttery garlic aroma make it perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce, adding a satisfyingly crunchy contrast.
- Offer a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The bright acidity cuts through the creaminess of the pasta, while leafy greens add a fresh, crisp element to the meal.
- Top with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan right at the table. A final dusting of cheese not only looks beautiful but adds an additional layer of salty richness.
- For a restaurant-style finish, place a lemon wedge on each plate. A quick squeeze of citrus elevates the flavors, bringing a zesty brightness that balances the dish’s richness.
HOW TO STORE GARLIC PARMESAN TORTELLINI WITH SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI
This dish is ideal for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers, but proper storage is key to preserving its creamy texture and robust flavors. The sauce can thicken over time and the broccoli may soften, so following a few simple steps ensures you’ll get the best taste and consistency when you reheat. Whether you’re storing individual portions or the entire pan, airtight containers and mindful reheating techniques will go a long way.
- Transfer the cooled tortellini to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 3–4 days for optimal flavor and texture. Label your container to keep track of freshness.
- If you want to freeze for longer storage, spoon portions into freezer-safe bags or rigid containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or reserved pasta water to restore the silky consistency. Stir frequently to avoid scorching.
- For a quick microwave option, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a drizzle of cream or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
CONCLUSION
This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli recipe is a celebration of creamy, cheesy goodness balanced with savory sausage, bright broccoli, and a hint of garlic warmth. From the moment you start cooking to the first spoonful, you’ll appreciate how straightforward techniques—like reserving pasta water and simmering the cream—make all the difference. The dish comes together in under 45 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, you’re rewarded with a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. And at around 600 calories per serving, it’s filling enough to satisfy hearty appetites while remaining approachable for meal prep.
Feel free to print this article or save it to your favorite recipe folder so you can come back whenever you need an easy, crowd-pleasing pasta dinner. You’ll also find a FAQ section below to answer common questions about ingredient substitutions, storage tips, and more. If you try this recipe or have any comments, questions, or feedback, I’d love to hear from you—drop a note below and let me know how it turned out or if there’s anything I can help with. Cooking should be fun, and sharing your experiences helps our community grow and discover new, delicious meals together. Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli
Description
Enjoy the rich flavors of cheesy tortellini coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, complemented by hearty Italian sausage and bright broccoli for a delightful dining experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest. Set the cooked tortellini aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 3 minutes.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Allow the sauce to thicken, stirring occasionally, for about 2 more minutes.
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Return the sausage to the skillet, followed by the cooked tortellini. Gently toss everything together to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges on the side for an extra hint of freshness.
Note
- For a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
- For spice lovers, increasing the crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- This dish pairs well with a crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- You can switch the Italian sausage with chicken or even a plant-based alternative for a different twist.
