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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Skillet with Sausage and Broccoli

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This easy one-pan recipe combines tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and crisp broccoli in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s pure comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb refrigerated cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed (spicy or mild)
  • 2 cups small broccoli florets (about 1 medium head, cut bite-sized)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Extra grated Parmesan (for topping)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cut broccoli into small florets (about 1-inch pieces). Remove sausage casings and crumble meat. Mince garlic cloves. Grate Parmesan if using a block.
  2. Boil refrigerated tortellini in salted water for 2 minutes less than package instructions (about 4-5 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water. If using frozen, increase boiling time by 2-3 minutes.
  3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add butter. Once melted, add crumbled sausage. Cook, stirring and breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes). Remove excess fat if needed.
  4. Add minced garlic to the sausage and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender. For softer broccoli, add 2 tbsp water and cover the skillet for another 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Use reserved pasta water if the sauce looks too thick. Sprinkle in Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth (about 3 minutes).
  6. Gently fold in drained tortellini. Simmer everything together for 2-3 minutes, letting flavors meld and sauce thicken. If sauce gets too thick, add a little more broth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Remove from heat. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped parsley over the top. Serve straight from the skillet. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for a thicker sauce and deeper flavor.

Notes

For best results, use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan. Don’t overcook tortellini; finish them in the sauce for perfect texture. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or broth. For gluten-free or dairy-free diets, substitute accordingly. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini skillet, creamy garlic Parmesan, sausage and broccoli, one pan dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-tortellini-skillet-with-sausage-and-broccoli-easy-one-pan-recipe/