Description
This Sausage Tortellini Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring three cheese tortellini tossed in a flavorful Alfredo sauce with savory Johnsonville bratwurst. The sauce combines butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, cream cheese, parmesan, milk, and cream, delivering a luscious texture and comforting taste perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 9-ounce package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
Sausage
- 1 lb 3 oz package Johnsonville brats
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 salted water, cook the refrigerated three cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the tortellini thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Brats: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the bratwurst and cook them thoroughly, ensuring they are browned and no longer pink in the center. Remove the sausages from the pan, slice into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Leaving the flavorful sausage cooking juices in the pan, add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Thicken Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the pan and whisk continuously for a couple of minutes until the flour turns lightly golden, creating a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to combine and prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to whisk until both cheeses melt completely into the sauce, creating a silky smooth texture. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding a little more milk if it seems too thick.
- Combine and Serve: Return the sliced bratwurst and cooked tortellini to the pan with the Alfredo sauce. Gently stir to coat all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the sausage tortellini Alfredo hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- You may substitute bratwurst with Italian sausage or cooked chicken if preferred.
- Ensure to cook the tortellini just until al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
- 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 milk to restore creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
