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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

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4.1 from 8 reviews

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare. Featuring tender cheese tortellini tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce, combined with savory Italian sausage and nutritious broccoli florets, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures ideal for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 567 grams cheese tortellini
  • 450 grams Italian sausage, mild or spicy
  • 300 grams broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 240 ml heavy cream
  • 100 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 15 ml olive oil
  • 2.5 grams salt
  • 1 gram black pepper
  • 1 gram red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sausage: Heat 15 ml of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks, until thoroughly browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
  3. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in 240 ml of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 100 grams of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with 2.5 grams salt, 1 gram black pepper, and optional 1 gram red pepper flakes to taste.
  4. Cook Tortellini and Broccoli: Meanwhile, cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the 300 grams broccoli florets to the pot. Drain both the tortellini and broccoli thoroughly once done.
  5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked sausage, drained tortellini, and broccoli to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with sauce. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though it may result in a thinner consistency.
  • Add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for increased nutrition and flavor variety.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, omit the Italian sausage and substitute with canned drained cannellini beans or chickpeas.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides a richer flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
  • Adjust the heat by increasing red pepper flakes or adding your favorite hot sauce.