Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli

When it comes to quick and satisfying comfort food, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli. This dish combines the rich, velvety flavor of a garlic cream sauce with tender cheese-filled tortellini, hearty sausage, and fresh broccoli florets — all coming together in one skillet. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like something you’d get at a cozy Italian restaurant.

🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love creamy pasta dishes that are bursting with flavor, this one’s for you. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian sausage creates a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and irresistible. Here’s why this dish stands out:

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
Fast and Flavorful: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Balanced Comfort: Creamy sauce + protein + veggies = complete meal.
Crowd Pleaser: Even picky eaters love this creamy garlic goodness.

🍴 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this cozy and satisfying pasta:

For the Pasta:

1 lb (450g) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, removed from casing)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bring this creamy pasta masterpiece to life:

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. This should take about 6–8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to let it burn.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Lower the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 5: Add Broccoli

Toss the broccoli florets into the sauce and let them cook for about 3–4 minutes until tender but still bright green. You can cover the skillet to help them steam.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked sausage back into the pan, followed by the tortellini. Gently toss everything together so the pasta is coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a restaurant-style finish.

🧀 Tips for the Perfect Creamy Tortellini

Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly — freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference.
Balance the Cream: You can swap half the cream for milk if you prefer a lighter version.
Add More Veggies: Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions for extra flavor and color.
Make It Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully — just add a splash of cream or milk before reheating to bring the sauce back to life.

🥦 Variations to Try

Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
Chicken Lover’s Version: Substitute sausage with grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for a leaner protein option.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty, meat-free meal.
Bacon Upgrade: For an extra indulgent flavor, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving.

🍷 Perfect Pairings

Looking to elevate your dinner? Try these simple pairings:

Side Dish: A crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic bread complements the creamy texture perfectly.
Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the rich, garlicky sauce.
Dessert: End on a sweet note with something light like lemon sorbet or vanilla panna cotta.

❤️ Why This Recipe Works Every Time

What makes this dish so satisfying isn’t just the creamy sauce — it’s the balance of flavors and textures. The cheesy tortellini adds softness, the sausage brings a savory punch, and the broccoli gives a gentle crunch that keeps every bite interesting. Together, they form a perfect comfort meal that feels indulgent but is still easy enough for any night of the week.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort meal that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something special. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table — creamy, garlicky, satisfying, and downright irresistible.

So next time you’re craving something cozy and delicious, grab your skillet and make this creamy tortellini dream. It’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to dinners!