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

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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.