GARLIC PARMESAN TORTELLINI IRRESISTIBLE RECIPE

Imagine twirling your fork around tender, cheese-filled tortellini, each bite bursting with the savory goodness of garlic and parmesan, a comforting aroma filling your kitchen. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a symphony of simple flavors that come together in perfect harmony. Get ready to fall in love with this quick and easy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini recipe – I promise, it’ll become a new family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Tortellini:

• 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped

Let’s Make Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Magic Happen!

Alright, friend, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and whip up some seriously delicious Garlic Parmesan Tortellini. Don’t worry, this recipe is super straightforward, even on the busiest of Family Weekday Dinners! I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps, so you’ll be enjoying a comforting bowl of pasta in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually around 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sausage (Optional): If using sausage, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease and set aside. For a healthier alternative, consider Dinners With Turkey Sausage instead of traditional pork sausage.
3. Steam the Broccoli (Optional): If using broccoli, steam it until tender-crisp. You can do this in a steamer basket over boiling water, in the microwave, or by blanching it in the same pot you cooked the tortellini in.

Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pot (or a large skillet), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. This is a crucial step – nobody wants bitter garlic!
2. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.
3. Stir in Parmesan: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and toss gently to coat. If using sausage and/or broccoli, add them to the pot as well and toss to combine.

Serving Time!

1. Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. A side salad or some crusty bread would be a perfect accompaniment.

Tips and Tricks for Tortellini Perfection

Okay, now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some insider tips to really elevate your Garlic Parmesan Tortellini game. These little tweaks can make a big difference, trust me!

• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Nobody likes mushy tortellini! Be sure to follow the package directions and don’t overcook them. They should be tender but still have a slight bite.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan is Key: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan will give you a much creamier and more flavorful sauce.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth or cream. If you like a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Spice it Up: Feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
• Get Creative with Add-Ins: The possibilities are endless! Try adding different vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You could also add cooked shrimp, chicken, or bacon.

Variations on a Theme: Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli and Beyond

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it. Want to make it a Tortellini With Sausage And Broccoli dish? Simply add cooked Italian sausage and steamed broccoli florets. Looking for some Easy Dinner Ideas With Sausage? This recipe is a fantastic starting point! You can also experiment with different types of cheese, herbs, and vegetables to create your own signature tortellini dish.

Speaking of variations, have you ever tried Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole? It’s another great way to get a comforting and satisfying meal on the table quickly. Or, if you’re looking for another cheesy pasta dish, you might enjoy Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. It’s packed with flavor and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. For a hearty soup option, especially as the weather cools, consider Autumn Tortellini Soup or Chicken Tortellini Soup. If you enjoy sausage, the Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a must-try! And for a complete meal in one, give Creamy Tortellini With Chicken And Broccoli a try!

Making it a Weekday Winner: Easy Dinner Ideas With Sausage

We all know how hectic Family Weekday Dinners can be. That’s why having a repertoire of quick and easy recipes is essential. This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini is a lifesaver on those busy nights. It comes together in under 30 minutes, requires minimal ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. The optional addition of sausage makes it even more satisfying and turns it into a complete meal. When you are short on time, using pre-cooked sausage is a great shortcut. This recipe truly embodies the spirit of Easy Dinner Ideas With Sausage and will quickly become a staple in your household!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely, because it’s so good!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Tortellini Recipe

And there you have it! Your new favorite Garlic Parmesan Tortellini recipe, ready to conquer even the busiest weeknight. I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious and comforting dish as much as I do. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, and I know it’ll become a regular on your Family Weekday Dinners rotation. Happy cooking, my friend!

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

Alice Yowell

This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini recipe is a quick and easy dish that combines cheese-filled tortellini with a savory garlic parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with various add-ins like sausage and broccoli.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet or pot
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Stirring spoon
• Steamer basket (optional)
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ¼ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or hot), cooked and crumbled (optional
• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed optional
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped optional

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually around 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
• Drain the tortellini and set aside.
• If using sausage, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.
• If using broccoli, steam it until tender-crisp. You can do this in a steamer basket over boiling water, in the microwave, or by blanching it in the same pot you cooked the tortellini in.
• In the same pot (or a large skillet), melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or vegetable broth).
• Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.
• Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and smooth.
• Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and toss gently to coat.
• If using sausage and/or broccoli, add them to the pot as well and toss to combine.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Don’t overcook the tortellini. Freshly grated Parmesan is key for a creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more broth or simmering longer. Spice it up with more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Get creative with add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.