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
Scale
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.
