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
Scale
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.
