If you are craving a rich, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe. It combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with savory Italian sausage, all smothered in a creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish hits all the right notes—hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing an important role in building the lush texture and robust flavor of this dish. From the spicy kick of Italian sausage to the silky creaminess of Parmesan cheese, every component makes this recipe shine.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing sausage, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Italian sausage: Provides a savory, meaty heart to the dish, with its herbs and spices.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with fragrant depth and a touch of warmth.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety consistency in the Alfredo sauce.
- Chicken broth: Balances the cream with a bit of lightness and savory flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, sharp notes that melt perfectly into the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall Italian flair.
- Black pepper: Brings a mild heat and depth to the sauce.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star pasta, stuffed with cheese, offering a chewy, satisfying bite.
- Baby spinach (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant green element and subtle earthiness.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish, providing a bright, herby contrast to the creamy sauce.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir it often until browned and fully cooked, about 7 to 8 minutes. This step is where those rich, meaty flavors develop, creating a savory foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once the sausage is cooked, add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for just one minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it. The garlic breathes a fragrant warmth into the sausage that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 3: Create the Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. This creamy concoction clings beautifully to every tortellini bite.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
While the sauce simmers, cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions—usually until they float to the surface, which signals perfect doneness. Drain them well before adding to the sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add the drained tortellini directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to fully coat each piece in the rich sauce. If you’re using baby spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt just slightly to add a burst of color and nutrition.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the ideal finishing touch. Its bright, herbaceous flavor cuts through the richness and adds a beautiful pinch of green that makes this dish visually irresistible. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan for those who love an extra cheesy bite.
Side Dishes
This Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or warm focaccia sponge up every last bit of sauce and complement the Italian flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the tortellini in individual shallow bowls garnished with a small sprig of parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Or, plate it alongside grilled vegetables for a colorful, more rustic look that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage Tortellini Alfredo stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so just loosen it with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the tortellini may soften slightly. If you plan to freeze, keep portions small and wrap tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop with a bit of cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and bring back that perfect silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can make the pasta rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage can be a leaner alternative and still works perfectly in this recipe, just be sure it’s well-seasoned to keep the flavor punch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This particular recipe calls for refrigerated cheese tortellini, which usually contains gluten. You can substitute gluten-free tortellini to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. The creamy Alfredo sauce will still make it satisfying and flavorful.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute a mixture of milk and a bit of butter or cream cheese to mimic the richness, but heavy cream gives the best silky texture for this recipe.
How spicy is the dish with regular Italian sausage?
It depends on the sausage brand, but typically regular Italian sausage has a mild to medium spice level. For a kick, try hot Italian sausage, or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to bring smiles to the table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for company. Once you try this creamy, cheesy, and hearty pasta, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe arsenal. Grab your skillet, gather those ingredients, and enjoy the magic of homemade Italian comfort food!
Print
Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Sausage Tortellini Alfredo is a rich and creamy Italian-American dish featuring savory Italian sausage cooked with garlic and tossed in a luscious Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Combined with tender cheese tortellini and optional fresh spinach, it offers a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Sausage Alfredo Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Garnish
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 7–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Cook the tortellini: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the refrigerated tortellini according to package directions, usually 3–5 minutes, until tender. Drain well.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce and sausage. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add spinach (optional): If using baby spinach, stir it into the skillet until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the dish warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, substitute hot Italian sausage.
- Swap baby spinach with kale or peas for different greens.
- Store-bought Alfredo sauce can be used to save time.
- Frozen tortellini works well; cook according to package instructions if using.
