When you’re craving a comforting, rich, and satisfying pasta dish that tastes restaurant-level but requires barely any effort, look no further than Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli. This one-pan meal has everything: pillowy cheese tortellini, savory browned sausage, tender broccoli, and a velvety garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every bite.

This dish is the kind of comfort food that impresses without complicating dinner. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough for guests or date night. The combination of creamy sauce, cheesy pasta pockets, and hearty sausage creates a dish that feels indulgent while still offering balance thanks to the broccoli.

Let’s walk through why this recipe is such a showstopper — and why you’ll want to keep it in your rotation all year long.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini

1. One Pan Means Less Mess

No boiling tortellini separately.
No multiple pots.
Everything — including pasta — cooks directly in the sauce.

This not only saves time but also ensures the pasta absorbs maximum flavor.

2. Restaurant-Level Creaminess

The sauce is silky, rich, and loaded with garlic and parmesan.
It’s thick enough to coat everything yet light enough to not feel too heavy.

3. Flavor From Savory Sausage

Browning Italian sausage infuses the entire dish with deep, savory flavor. The drippings build the base of the sauce.

4. Built-In Veggies

Broccoli adds color, texture, vitamins, and brightness. It balances the richness perfectly.

5. Ready in About 25 Minutes

This is a fast, family-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

6. Customizable & Flexible

Swap the sausage, change the veggies, add chili flakes — make it your way.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini, refrigerated
• 2 ½ cups broccoli florets
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: chili flakes for heat
• Optional: extra parmesan for topping

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart into crumbles.

2. Add garlic.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add liquids and seasoning.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Add tortellini.
Stir in the uncooked tortellini and simmer uncovered for about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add broccoli.
Add broccoli florets and cook for another 5 minutes until tender and bright green.

6. Make it creamy.
Reduce heat and stir in grated Parmesan. Simmer gently until thickened.

7. Taste and finish.
Adjust seasoning. Add chili flakes if desired.

8. Serve.
Top with extra parmesan and enjoy warm.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli

A rich and comforting one-pan tortellini dish with savory sausage, tender broccoli, and a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 5 bowls

Course: Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 610

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 20 oz cheese tortellini refrigerated
• 2.5 cups broccoli florets
• 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add tortellini and cook uncovered for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add broccoli florets and cook for 5 minutes until tender.
6. Stir in parmesan cheese and simmer until thickened.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm with extra parmesan.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add a spoon of cream cheese. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Tips, Substitutions & Variations

Add Heat

• Red chili flakes
• Calabrian chili paste
• Spicy Italian sausage

Switch the Protein

• Chicken sausage
• Ground turkey
• Plant-based sausage

Add More Vegetables

This dish is excellent with:

• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Peas

Make It Lighter

Swap heavy cream for:

• Half-and-half
• Evaporated milk
• A mix of milk + cream cheese

Cheese Boost

Stir in extra parmesan for richer flavor or add mozzarella for a stretchy, melty finish.

Serve With:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted tomatoes
• Fresh side salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Fun Background Note

Creamy tortellini dishes have roots in Northern Italian cooking, especially in regions where cheese-filled pasta and cream-based sauces are traditional. Pairing tortellini with sausage and vegetables is a modern twist that transforms a classic into a full hearty meal. The combination of pasta, meat, vegetables, and creamy sauce reflects today’s love for one-pan meals that deliver comfort without compromise.