If you are on the hunt for a creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious Italian meal that will have everyone asking for seconds, this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender three-cheese tortellini enveloped in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, perfectly complemented by savory browned brats, all coming together in just about 25 minutes. This dish brings the rich flavors of Italy right to your kitchen in a way that’s surprisingly simple yet irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the tender cheese tortellini providing that pillowy texture, the flavorful brats adding depth, or the creamy sauce ingredients that turn it all into a velvety masterpiece.
- 9-ounce package refrigerated three cheese tortellini: Using fresh tortellini ensures a soft and delicate pasta base that cooks quickly.
- 1lb 3oz package brats (Johnsonville recommended): These give the dish a rich, savory, and slightly spiced kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A must for that fragrant, aromatic lift in every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Offers just a touch of heat to balance the creaminess.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: The magic ingredient to thicken the Alfredo sauce to perfect, creamy consistency.
- 1 cup milk: Provides a smooth base that helps the sauce stay light yet luscious.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: For the signature richness classic Alfredo sauce is known for.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed: Adds extra creaminess and a slight tang that elevates the sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Brings that authentic nutty, savory note every Alfredo needs.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To season and bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by boiling a large pot of water and cooking the three-cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. This part is super easy and only takes a few minutes. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set it aside. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften once combined with the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Brats
While the tortellini cooks, heat a large saucepan and brown the brats until they are cooked through and beautifully caramelized on the outside. This step infuses the dish with mouthwatering meaty flavor. Remove the sausages from the pan, slice them into bite-sized pieces, and set them aside for later.
Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
Keep the flavorful browned bits and juices left in the pan from the sausages — this is pure gold for your sauce! Add the unsalted butter and let it melt gently. Toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking just about a minute until fragrant. Then whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook until it turns a light golden color, which gives your sauce that wonderful body and nuttiness.
Step 4: Add the Dairy
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Allow the sauce to thicken until it coats the back of your spoon. Next, add the cream cheese cubes and grated parmesan cheese, stirring until everything melts into a smooth, sumptuous sauce. If needed, adjust the consistency with a splash more milk to get it just right.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Finally, stir in the sliced sausage and cooked tortellini. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. At this point, your Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe is ready to serve, boasting a dreamy, cheesy sauce that clings lovingly to each piece of pasta and savory sausage bites.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish to restaurant-quality presentation and flavor, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. A little extra grated parmesan never hurts either, and for a subtle crunch, toasted pine nuts can add an unexpected texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread really rounds out the meal. A side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus offers bright color and a healthy bite to complement the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this sauce and sausage mix over roasted vegetables or swap the tortellini for gnocchi or fettuccine noodles. You could also bake the combined pasta and sauce in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese, making a bubbly, golden crust that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce tightens up a bit when chilled, but don’t worry — it will loosen right back up when reheated gently.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, keep in mind that the texture of the dairy-based Alfredo sauce may change slightly after thawing, sometimes becoming a bit grainy. For best results, freeze the sausage and pasta separately from the sauce, then combine and reheat fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. You can add a splash of milk or cream to help restore the sauce’s creamy texture and bring your Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe back to life just like it was fresh off the stove.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While bratwurst adds a nice smoky and mildly spicy flavor, Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegan sausage alternative would all work well here. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use milk with reduced fat, and reduce or omit the cream cheese. You might lose some richness, but it will still be delicious and satisfying.
Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
The cream cheese adds great creaminess, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can omit it and just use the milk, heavy cream, and parmesan. Your sauce will be a bit lighter but still delicious.
What type of tortellini works best?
Fresh or refrigerated three-cheese tortellini is ideal due to its quick cooking time and soft texture, but frozen tortellini is also convenient. Just follow the cooking instructions and avoid overcooking for the best results.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Look for gluten-free tortellini and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the Alfredo sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe is hands down one of those meals that feels like a warm, comforting hug. With simple ingredients coming together to create a rich and flavorful dish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike. Give it a try, and I promise this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying pasta will quickly become your go-to recipe for a tasty Italian feast at home.
Print
Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and comforting Sausage Tortellini Alfredo recipe featuring three cheese tortellini and flavorful bratwurst, cooked to perfection and combined in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce with garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 9-ounce package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
Sausage
- 1lb 3oz package brats (Johnsonville Brats recommended)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the refrigerated three cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
- Cook Brats: In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the bratwurst sausages until fully cooked through, about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove the brats from the pan, slice them into bite-sized pieces, and set them aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Leave the browned juices left in the pan from the cooked sausage. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about one minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture is lightly browned, creating a roux.
- Add Dairy: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk as needed.
- Combine and Serve: Return the sliced sausage and cooked tortellini to the pan with the Alfredo sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta and sausage evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use low-fat cream cheese.
- This dish can be garnished with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
