If you are craving a dish that combines creamy, cheesy comfort with the hearty flavors of savory sausage, look no further than this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic Alfredo that brings together pillowy three cheese tortellini, juicy bratwurst slices, and a rich homemade sauce that just wraps around every bite like a warm hug. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to impress without stress, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s the tender pasta providing comforting texture or the garlic and red pepper flakes adding just the right kick to the sauce’s creamy elegance. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 9-ounce package refrigerated three cheese tortellini: The star pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1lb 3oz package brats: These juicy sausages bring savory richness and a satisfying bite.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a smooth, luscious base for sautéing garlic and creating the roux.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Delivers a subtle spicy flair that balances the creaminess.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect silken consistency.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the Alfredo sauce light and creamy without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: Brings richness and that classic Alfredo velvety texture.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed: Adds indulgence and helps the sauce cling to every tortellini.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Boosts the recipe’s cheesy, nutty flavor that is absolutely essential.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors just right without overshadowing them.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Begin by boiling the refrigerated three cheese tortellini according to the package directions. This step is quick and essential because perfectly cooked tortellini offers a tender, cheesy bite that complements the sauce. Once done, drain and set it aside so it’s ready to meet the luscious Alfredo later.
Step 2: Brown the Brats
Next up, cook the bratwurst in a large saucepan until they’re thoroughly cooked through. Browning the brats adds a delicious caramelized layer of flavor that will seep into the sauce. Remove the sausages from the pan, slice them into bite-sized pieces, and set aside, keeping those savory juices in the pan.
Step 3: Create the Alfredo Sauce Base
In the same pan with the sausage drippings, melt the unsalted butter until it’s shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, allowing their aromas to release for about a minute. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously until it turns lightly golden—this step is crucial for thickening the sauce beautifully while preventing lumps.
Step 4: Add Dairy and Thicken
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly so the mixture thickens gently and evenly. Then, stir in the cream cheese and grated parmesan until everything melts seamlessly, creating a rich, velvety sauce that’s full of cheesy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your ideal consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Finally, return the sliced sausage and cooked tortellini to the pan. Gently toss everything together so the sauce beautifully coats every piece. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, then serve this incredible Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe piping hot.
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top. A little extra grated parmesan never hurts either—it adds a lovely salty punch and beautiful texture as a finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli that provide a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also make delightful companions, perfect for sopping up any extra sauce left in the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, serve the Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe in small individual ramekins sprinkled with extra parmesan and broiled until golden on top. Alternatively, pile it up in deep pasta bowls garnished with chili flakes for a cozy touch that invites everyone to dive right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sausage Tortellini Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the sausage and Alfredo sauce separately from the pasta. When ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid a mushy pasta texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works too, but do so in short bursts and stir between intervals for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Italian sausage, spicy chorizo, or even breakfast sausage can be delicious substitutions that bring their own unique flavors to this dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream and milk for coconut or almond milk and use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, though the flavor will shift slightly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the garlic for an extra kick that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the sausage and prepare the Alfredo sauce in advance, then quickly boil the tortellini and combine everything just before serving for maximum freshness.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can swap cream cheese with mascarpone or extra parmesan to maintain the creaminess, though mascarpone will yield a slightly lighter feel while parmesan adds more sharpness.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe is a winner every time, bringing together familiar ingredients into a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests, making it a versatile favorite you’ll keep coming back to. Give it a try—you might just find your next go-to dinner!
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Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy, comforting Sausage Tortellini Alfredo combining savory bratwurst and three cheese tortellini in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made with garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Ready in just 25 minutes, this hearty Italian-American dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that pleases the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 9-ounce package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
Sausage
- 1 lb 3 oz package bratwurst (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 the tortellini: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions (usually about 3-5 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bratwurst: In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the bratwurst until fully cooked through and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the pan, slice into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: Leave the sausage drippings in the pan, then add the butter and let it melt. Sauté the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned and combined with the butter and drippings.
- Add dairy: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy whipping cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- Finish the Alfredo sauce: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Adjust the sauce consistency with additional milk if it is too thick.
- Combine sausage and pasta: Add the sliced bratwurst and cooked tortellini into the sauce. Stir gently to combine and heat through.
- Season and serve: Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve the Sausage Tortellini Alfredo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a creamier sauce; reduce cream slightly if you prefer a lighter option.
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add freshly cracked black pepper.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked sausage or leftover grilled bratwurst.
- Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen; adjust cooking time per package instructions.
- To keep sauce smooth, whisk continuously when adding milk and cream to avoid lumps.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
