Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage: Prepare to be transported to a cozy Italian trattoria with this incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish! Imagine tender, cheese-filled tortellini, bathed in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and studded with savory Italian sausage. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your family begging for seconds.

Tortellini, originating from the Emilia region of Italy, are traditionally filled with a mixture of meat and cheese, representing the region’s rich culinary heritage. While the exact origins are shrouded in charming legends, the love for these little pasta pockets is undeniable. My version elevates this classic by combining it with the robust flavors of garlic, parmesan, and Italian sausage, creating a truly unforgettable meal.

What makes Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. The creamy sauce is rich and decadent, yet the garlic and parmesan provide a delightful sharpness that cuts through the richness. The sausage adds a hearty, meaty element that makes it a complete and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience a taste of Italy in your own kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we’re going to do is brown the sausage and get our veggies nice and softened. This is where the flavor foundation of our dish really starts to build.

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to crumble it well so you don’t have big chunks. We want it nicely distributed throughout the sauce.
2. Sauté the Onion: Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Leave any rendered fat in the pan – that’s flavor gold! Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. We want the onion to be sweet and tender.
3. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic is one of my favorite things about cooking!
4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is called deglazing, and it adds a ton of flavor to the sauce. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Creating the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now that we’ve got our sausage and veggies prepped, it’s time to build that creamy, dreamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This is where the magic really happens!

1. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
2. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir well and taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
3. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. This is a great time to prep any other ingredients or just relax for a bit.
4. Stir in the Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the sausage to infuse its flavor into the sauce.
5. Add the Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is what gives the sauce its richness and luxurious texture.
6. Add the Butter: Stir in the butter until it’s melted and fully incorporated. The butter adds a lovely sheen and extra richness to the sauce.

Cooking the Tortellini and Combining

Almost there! Now we just need to cook the tortellini and bring everything together. This is the home stretch!

1. Cook the Tortellini: While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Usually, this involves boiling salted water and cooking the tortellini for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
2. Drain the Tortellini: Once the tortellini are cooked, drain them well.
3. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat the tortellini evenly with the sauce. Make sure every little tortellini is covered in that deliciousness!
4. Serve: Serve the Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes is also a nice touch if you like a little heat.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage turns out perfectly:

• Use Good Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the dish. Use fresh garlic, good quality Parmesan cheese, and flavorful Italian sausage.
• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Overcooked tortellini can become mushy and unappetizing. Cook them just until they float to the surface and are tender.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes can all be added to taste.
• Simmer the Sauce: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. Don’t rush this step!
• Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese add a pop of flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
• Use Different Types of Sausage: You can use sweet Italian sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage in this recipe.
• Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a bright, zesty flavor to the dish.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version. You can also use vegetable broth instead of wine.
• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and intense flavor to the sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The creamy, garlicky sauce perfectly coats the cheese-filled tortellini and savory sausage, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Seriously, the combination of the rich parmesan, pungent garlic, and hearty sausage is simply irresistible. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. What more could you ask for?

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage. Sweet Italian sausage adds a touch of sweetness, while spicy Italian sausage brings the heat. For a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. You could even add some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
* Crusty bread is a must for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
* A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick for those who like a little spice.
* For a more elegant presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
* Consider adding a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for extra creaminess.

Variations to Try:

* Creamy Tomato Tortellini: Add a can of crushed tomatoes to the sauce for a tangy twist.
* Spinach and Artichoke Tortellini: Stir in some chopped spinach and artichoke hearts for a healthier and more flavorful dish.
* Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini: Substitute the sausage with cooked chicken and add some steamed broccoli florets.
* Baked Tortellini Casserole: Combine the cooked tortellini and sauce in a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

I truly believe that this Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage will become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in, and it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests. The best part is that it’s so easy to customize to your own preferences.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see your photos and hear about any variations you try. Tag me on social media or leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures with this delightful dish. Let me know what you think! I’m always looking for feedback and new ideas to improve my recipes. Enjoy!