Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini is a delightful pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan into a luscious sauce. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With its creamy texture and savory notes, it’s a recipe that has become a favorite in many households, especially those looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

It’s a quick and easy meal that takes only 50 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect for picky eaters, as it features familiar flavors that everyone can enjoy.
You can customize it with various add-ins like chicken or vegetables.
It’s a comforting dish that warms you up on chilly nights.
This recipe serves four, making it ideal for family dinners.
It’s a Vegetarian Creamy Garlic Tortellini option when using meat alternatives.
The creamy garlic sauce is a crowd-pleaser, enhancing any meal occasion.

With its Italian roots and gluten-free diet options, this dish is perfect for any pasta lover.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

Gather these items:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian beef sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced (optional)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
18-20 ounces fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
Salt for pasta water
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Step-by-Step

Step 1: Wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince garlic and finely dice the onion (if using). Grate 1 cup of fresh Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish. Gather all liquids and spices.
Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef sausage, breaking it apart, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Transfer sausage to a plate, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of fat in the pan. Add broccoli to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp, seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Transfer broccoli to the plate with the sausage.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp butter to the skillet. Once melted, add onion (if using) and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup flour, whisking for 1-2 minutes to form a light roux.
Step 4: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream. Stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes until melted and smooth. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: While the sauce simmers on low, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions (2-5 minutes). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain tortellini thoroughly.
Step 6: Add the drained tortellini, cooked beef sausage, and sautéed broccoli directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash or two of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

Keep these in mind:

This dish is great for leftovers.
You can substitute the beef sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Adjust the garlic and red pepper flakes according to your taste.
For a Creamy Garlic Tortellini with Spinach, add a few handfuls of fresh spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.
If using frozen tortellini, ensure to adjust cooking time as needed.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

Try these serving ideas:

Pair it with a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
Served with garlic bread for a true Italian experience.
Top with additional Parmesan for an extra cheesy delight.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. This makes for an excellent meal prep option!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini?

The secret lies in creating a creamy sauce that coats the tortellini well. Use fresh ingredients and adjust seasoning to your preference for a flavorful dish.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. Just cook the tortellini when you’re ready to serve to ensure it stays fresh.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini?

Common mistakes include overcooking the tortellini and not mixing the sauce thoroughly. Stir well and taste as you go to achieve the best flavor.

Variations of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini You Can Try

Explore these variations:

For a Homemade Creamy Tortellini, make your own tortellini with different fillings.
Add shrimp or chicken for a protein boost with Creamy Garlic Tortellini with Chicken.
For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. You might also enjoy our Salted Caramel Cookies or Ghost Brownies for a sweet treat!

For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, visit Food Network.