There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta after a long day—especially when it’s packed with savory sausage and tender broccoli. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli is comfort food made easy: rich, hearty, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Cheese-filled tortellini is tossed in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, perfectly balanced with juicy Italian sausage and fresh broccoli florets. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent enough for a weekend dinner but simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini
- Quick & Easy: Dinner is on the table in about 30 minutes.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Rich & Creamy: A luscious garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every bite.
- Protein-Packed: Hearty sausage keeps it satisfying and filling.
- Veggie Boost: Broccoli adds color, crunch, and nutrients.
- Totally Customizable: Swap the sausage, adjust the sauce, or mix up the veggies to fit your taste.
Choosing the Best Tortellini
For the creamiest results, go with fresh or refrigerated tortellini—they cook in just a few minutes and have a tender, pillowy texture that’s perfect for this dish.
If you’re using frozen tortellini, just increase the cook time slightly. Dried tortellini works too, but it’ll need a little more liquid in the sauce.
When it comes to filling, cheese tortellini is the classic choice for a reason—it melts beautifully into the creamy sauce. For a heartier version, try meat-filled tortellini, or go green with spinach and ricotta.
Simple Ingredient Swaps
This recipe is flexible, so you can easily tweak it based on what’s in your fridge or your dietary needs:
- Sausage: Substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
- Broccoli: Use spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers for a colorful twist.
- Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano add a similar salty, nutty flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and a spoonful of cream cheese for a lighter sauce.
- Tortellini Alternatives: Ravioli or another stuffed pasta works in a pinch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing (if using links) and break it into small chunks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 3–5 minutes for fresh tortellini). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Broccoli
In the same skillet used for the sausage, melt the butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until tender but still bright green.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked sausage and tortellini to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan before serving. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
Cooking Time Breakdown
- Sausage: 5–7 minutes
- Tortellini: 3–5 minutes
- Broccoli: 3–4 minutes
- Sauce: 5 minutes
- Combine & Finish: 2 minutes
Total time: About 25–30 minutes
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Tortellini
- Don’t overcook the tortellini — drain it as soon as it’s al dente.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, non-grainy sauce.
- Save a little pasta water to adjust the sauce texture if needed.
- Brown the sausage well for maximum flavor.
- Taste and season before serving — balance salt, pepper, and spice to your liking.
- Serve immediately — the sauce thickens as it cools.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta: It will fall apart when tossed in the sauce.
- Skipping sausage browning: That caramelization adds incredible depth.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: It doesn’t melt smoothly.
- Adding cheese too fast: Stir it in gradually for a creamy consistency.
- Letting broccoli go mushy: Cook just until tender-crisp.
- Forgetting to season: Salt enhances the richness of the cream sauce.
What to Serve with It
Pair your tortellini with something fresh or crunchy for the perfect balance:
- Garlic Bread – Ideal for soaking up extra sauce.
- Simple Green Salad – Tossed with lemon vinaigrette for contrast.
- Roasted Veggies – Try asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Bruschetta – Adds a bright, tangy bite.
- Sautéed Spinach – Quick, simple, and perfectly garlicky.
- Antipasto Platter – Great as a starter.
- Crisp White Wine – A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully.
- Lemon Sorbet – A light and refreshing dessert to finish.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
Freeze: Tortellini can be frozen, but the cream sauce may separate. For best results, freeze the pasta and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm on low heat in a skillet with a little liquid added. Avoid microwaving on high, as it can cause the sauce to split.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~35g
- Saturated Fat: ~15g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sugar: ~4g
- Sodium: ~900mg
FAQs
1. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the sausage and broccoli ahead, then make the sauce fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
2. How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half and turkey sausage for a leaner option.
3. Can I use other pasta?
Absolutely! Ravioli, penne, or fettuccine all work well.
4. What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder instead.
5. Will frozen tortellini work?
Yes, just adjust cooking time as needed.
6. Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the sausage or use a plant-based version and vegetable broth.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — rich, cozy, and on the table in no time. It’s a family favorite that checks all the boxes: comforting, customizable, and irresistibly creamy.
Serve it with garlic bread, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy your cozy night in. Don’t forget to save or pin this recipe so you can come back to it anytime those creamy pasta cravings hit!