Description
This Sausage Tortellini Alfredo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender three cheese tortellini and flavorful bratwurst sausage in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it combines sautéed garlic and spices with a velvety blend of cream cheese, parmesan, and heavy cream for a delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 9-ounce package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
For the Sausage:
- 1 lb 3 oz package bratwursts (Johnsonville Brats recommended)
For the 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: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the refrigerated three cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set it aside to be combined later.
- Cook Brats: In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the bratwursts until they are fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausages from the pan, slice them into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: With the brat cooking juices still in the pan, add the unsalted butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for a couple of minutes until the mixture is lightly browned, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Build the Alfredo Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy whipping cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk and cook until the sauce slightly thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and grated parmesan until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more milk to adjust the consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Add the sliced bratwurst and cooked tortellini to the sauce, stirring gently to ensure everything is well coated. Heat through for a minute or two until piping hot. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- You can substitute whole milk with a lower-fat milk, but the sauce may be less creamy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding fresh parsley as a garnish adds a nice fresh contrast and color to the dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
