There is something incredibly comforting about a rich, creamy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Our Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe brings together pillowy three-cheese tortellini with savory, perfectly cooked bratwurst all swirled in a velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes indulgent but comes together in just about 25 minutes, making it a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving creamy, cheesy goodness or just need a fast meal that satisfies, this recipe hits all the right notes and will quickly become one of your go-to dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple, but each one plays an important role in crafting that luscious, layered flavor and texture in your Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe. From the cheese-stuffed tortellini to the savory brats and the creamy sauce components, everything comes together beautifully.
- 9-ounce package refrigerated three cheese tortellini: The star pasta, stuffed with a blend of cheeses for a wonderfully gooey bite.
- 1lb 3oz package brats: I recommend Johnsonville Brats for their rich flavor and perfect balance of spices.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the creamy Alfredo sauce base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings aromatic depth and a little savory punch.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough to add a subtle heat without overpowering the creaminess.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect silky consistency.
- 1 cup milk: Provides creaminess while keeping the sauce light.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: Makes the Alfredo sauce decadently smooth and luscious.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed: Adds tangy richness and creamy texture to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce that classic nutty, savory flavor that defines Alfredo.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the three-cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. It usually takes just a few minutes—watch closely so they stay perfectly tender but don’t overcook. Then drain and set them aside, ready to soak up that delicious sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Brats
In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the bratwurst until fully cooked through and browned beautifully on the outside. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Once done, remove them from the pan and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Don’t discard the flavorful juices left in the pan—they’ll take your sauce to the next level.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Leave the sausage juices in the pan and add the butter, letting it melt slowly. Toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about a minute until fragrant, stirring so they don’t burn. Next, sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly until it turns a lovely light golden color. This process cooks out the raw flour taste and creates your roux base.
Step 4: Add Dairy and Cheeses
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to thicken slightly into a smooth sauce. Then stir in the cream cheese cubes and grated parmesan, continuing to whisk until everything melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce. If needed, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Finally, stir the sliced bratwurst and cooked tortellini into the sauce, mixing gently to coat every delicious bite. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve this comforting, cheesy masterpiece hot and enjoy every mouthwatering forkful!
How to Serve Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a bright pop of color and fresh herbal notes that contrast beautifully with the rich sauce. Don’t hesitate to add a little extra grated parmesan on top for a nutty finish or a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper to bring everything to life.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpoint. Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover Alfredo sauce—you really don’t want to waste a single drop!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, consider plating this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and colorful sausage slices. For a fun twist, try topping with toasted pine nuts or crispy fried sage leaves to add texture and an unexpected flavor boost. It’s all about delighting the senses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Store it as soon as it cools to preserve freshness and prevent the sauce from thickening too much overnight.
Freezing
While the cream sauce may change texture slightly after freezing, you can freeze this dish if needed. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to retain its creamy richness.
Reheating
To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat and stir frequently to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps loosen the sauce and revive that silky smooth texture. Resist microwaving for best taste and texture, but if you do, heat in short bursts stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While bratwurst gives a wonderful flavor, Italian sausage or breakfast sausage make tasty alternatives. Just make sure to fully cook the sausage and adjust seasoning if needed.
Is refrigerated tortellini necessary?
Fresh refrigerated tortellini works best here for creamy texture and quick cooking, but dry tortellini can be used—just cook it a bit longer and adjust the sauce amount slightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try substituting the dairy with plant-based cream and cheese alternatives. The flavor will change, but you can still achieve a rich, satisfying dish with the right options.
How spicy is the sauce?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle background heat that enhances the savory flavors without overpowering the dish. You can always omit or increase the amount to suit your taste.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can cook the sausage and tortellini ahead and store separately to save time. Make the sauce fresh to keep it luxuriously creamy, then combine everything right before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, indulgent meal that comes together quickly and pleases everyone at the table, this Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every cheesy bite as much as I do!
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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 Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Sausage Tortellini Alfredo recipe combines savory bratwurst with creamy Alfredo sauce and tender three-cheese tortellini for a comforting and delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes. This easy stovetop dish is perfect for a quick family dinner packed with bold flavors and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 9-ounce package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
Sausage
- 1 lb 3 oz package bratwursts (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 Tortellini: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the refrigerated three cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the sausage and sauce.
- Cook Brats: In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the bratwursts until they are fully cooked through and browned on all sides. Remove the cooked sausages from the pan, slice them into bite-size pieces, and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Leave the sausage cooking juices in the pan and add the unsalted butter. Melt the butter completely, then add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly until the mixture turns slightly browned and forms a roux.
- Add Dairy: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy whipping cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk the sauce until it thickens slightly, creating a smooth base for the Alfredo.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy Alfredo. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk.
- Combine and Serve: Add the sliced sausage and cooked tortellini into the sauce. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Serve the Sausage Tortellini Alfredo hot for the best creamy and savory experience.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the tortellini to avoid mushy pasta.
- This recipe can be customized with different sausages or cheeses.
- Leftovers keep well and reheat nicely in a microwave or stovetop skillet.
