Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 20 oz cheese tortellini; 12 oz Italian sausage (sliced or crumbled); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1.25 cups heavy cream; 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 0.5 tsp black pepper

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

When comfort food meets weeknight convenience, you get Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli — a rich, satisfying pasta dish that feels indulgent but comes together with surprising ease. This recipe combines pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, savory sausage, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luxurious garlic Parmesan cream sauce that coats every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner, or simply craving something cozy after a long day, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that feels restaurant-worthy yet uses simple, accessible ingredients you can find in any grocery store.

Why This Tortellini Recipe Works So Well

This dish is built on balance. The creamy sauce provides richness, the sausage adds bold savory depth, and the broccoli brings freshness and texture that keeps the meal from feeling heavy. Tortellini, unlike plain pasta, adds an extra layer of flavor thanks to its cheese-filled center, making every bite more satisfying.

Garlic and Parmesan are a classic pairing, but when combined with cream and sausage drippings, they create a sauce that’s deeply flavorful without being overly complicated. Best of all, this recipe can be made in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

Cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated works best)
Italian sausage (mild or spicy, pork or chicken)
Fresh broccoli florets
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Reserved pasta water

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. During the last 2–3 minutes, add broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Remove excess grease if needed.
Reduce heat slightly and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine with the sausage and garlic. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add cooked tortellini and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
Remove from heat, garnish with extra Parmesan and black pepper, and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Creamy Tortellini

Don’t overcook the tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks quickly; overcooking can cause it to fall apart.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
Adjust sauce thickness: Pasta water is your best friend. Add a splash at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Season gradually: Sausage and Parmesan are salty, so taste before adding extra salt.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is.

Protein swaps: Use grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
Vegetable additions: Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Lighter version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Extra cheesy: Stir in a little mozzarella for an even creamier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy tortellini with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For drinks, a crisp sparkling water or light white wine pairs wonderfully.

Comfort Food with Modern Appeal

Creamy pasta dishes have long been a staple in American home cooking, but this recipe modernizes the classic by adding broccoli for freshness and tortellini for depth. It’s comfort food that doesn’t feel dated — just deeply satisfying.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes part of your regular rotation. It’s easy, comforting, and endlessly customizable — perfect for both busy nights and special occasions.