Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate weeknight comfort meal that combines savory flavors, creamy sauce, and cheesy pasta, you’ll love this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo. This dish blends juicy Italian sausage with pillowy cheese tortellini, all tossed in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce and finished with a touch of fresh spinach and parsley. Sausage Tortellini Alfredo is as satisfying as it is simple, delivering restaurant-quality taste in your own kitchen with just 30 minutes of effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sausage Tortellini Alfredo lies in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a starring role. From the robust sausage to the pillowy tortellini and decadent sauce, each element is essential. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a pro tip or two for each:
- Italian sausage (1 pound, mild or spicy, casings removed): Choose your heat level for a personalized kick; browning it adds savory depth throughout.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 ounces): These cook lightning-fast and soak up every bit of that luscious Alfredo sauce.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): The foundation for your Alfredo, it brings richness and helps bring out the garlic’s aroma.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Freshly minced for maximum flavor, it infuses the sauce with irresistible fragrance.
- Heavy cream (1 ½ cups): Creates a silk-smooth, ultra-creamy sauce that clings to every bite.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup): For melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness, grate your own if you can.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that ties the whole dish together—oregano, basil, and thyme work best.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances flavors; adjust with care if your sausage is extra salty.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For just a hint of warmth and bite in every forkful.
- Fresh spinach, chopped (2 cups, optional): Adds color, texture, and nutrition—swap for kale to suit your tastes.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Delivers a bright, herby finish right before serving.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Alfredo
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into bite-size pieces as it cooks. Sauté until browned and cooked through—this step builds that signature savory base and infuses the whole dish with flavor. Once the sausage is done, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate, leaving any tasty drippings in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
With the sausage out, melt your butter in the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about a minute—just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown; you want just a gentle golden color, which will perfume your whole kitchen and set the stage for the Alfredo sauce.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting those gorgeous little bubbles form. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk or stir often as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens ever so slightly, about 3–4 minutes. You’re aiming for a silky texture that coats a spoon.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
While your sauce is bubbling away, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions for al dente perfection—usually just a few minutes in boiling, salted water. Drain them well; you want the pasta to hold its shape and absorb the creamy sauce, not get diluted.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the drained tortellini straight into your Alfredo sauce along with the browned sausage and chopped spinach if using. Gently toss to coat everything in that blanket of creamy goodness. Let it cook together for one to two more minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle over the top. The pop of green is beautiful and adds a subtle freshness that brightens each bowl of Sausage Tortellini Alfredo. Serve warm, and watch the smiles appear!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Alfredo
Garnishes
Garnishing your Sausage Tortellini Alfredo isn’t just about looks—it’s about elevating the experience! A sprinkle of fresh parsley provides color and a clean, slightly peppery note. Try an extra dusting of Parmesan or a few grinds of black pepper just before serving. If you want a little heat, a light pinch of red pepper flakes does wonders.
Side Dishes
This dish is plenty rich and filling, but if you want to round out the meal, you can’t go wrong with some warm, crusty bread for mopping up sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. Roasted veggies, especially broccoli or asparagus, also pair beautifully with Sausage Tortellini Alfredo for an extra burst of color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, serve this pasta in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan and parsley on the side. Try portioning into ramekins and baking with a handful of mozzarella for a bubbly top. If you’re feeling bold, pour your Sausage Tortellini Alfredo into a hollowed-out bread boule for a dramatic, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Sausage Tortellini Alfredo, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some sauce as it sits, but it will still taste fantastic when reheated.
Freezing
Sausage Tortellini Alfredo can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze before adding the spinach. Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for lunch or dinner in a pinch!
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave single portions in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese sauce silky and prevent the tortellini from getting too soft.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite chicken or turkey sausage—just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the sauce. It’s an easy way to lighten up the dish while keeping all the flavor.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter sauce, half-and-half will work, though it won’t be quite as rich. Full-fat coconut milk is a surprising but delicious dairy-free alternative for Alfredo sauces!
Is Sausage Tortellini Alfredo gluten-free?
With traditional cheese tortellini, this recipe contains gluten. However, gluten-free tortellini options are available at many grocery stores—just cook them gently and treat them the same in the sauce!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Besides spinach, try mixing in peas, blistered cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms. More veggies add flavor, color, and nutrition to your Sausage Tortellini Alfredo.
Do I need to use fresh tortellini, or will frozen work?
Both work wonderfully! Frozen tortellini are a great pantry standby—just cook them according to the package directions before folding into your Alfredo sauce with the sausage.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Sausage Tortellini Alfredo, you’ll understand why it’s a weeknight favorite that feels like a special treat. Each bite is creamy, hearty, and perfect for sharing with anyone lucky enough to grab a bowl. Give this recipe a spin and enjoy a little bit of cheesy, sausage-studded joy at your table tonight!
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Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and satisfying one-pot meal with this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Italian-American dish combines savory Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich Alfredo sauce for a comforting dinner option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Italian Sausage Tortellini Alfredo:
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage until browned; set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream, Parmesan, seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook until slightly thickened.
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook according to package instructions.
- Combine Ingredients: Add tortellini, sausage, and spinach to the sauce; heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use frozen tortellini—just cook according to package instructions.
- For added flavor, use a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Omit spinach or substitute with kale if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
