Name: Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 14 oz Smoked Sausage, sliced; 1 Yellow Onion, diced; 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced; 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced; 6-7 Garlic Cloves, minced; 1 Cup Heavy Cream; 5.3 oz Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese; 3 oz Shaved or Grated Parmesan Cheese; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tbsp Veggie Seasoning Blend; 1 Cup Chicken Broth; 1/2-1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional); Salt and Pepper to taste; 19 oz Frozen Cheese Tortellini

Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe with you because it s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The rich, velvety sauce combined with the smoky sausage and tender tortellini creates a flavor combo that s both comforting and a little bit fancy-perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend meals. You ll find that it comes together surprisingly fast too, which is a huge win when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

What really makes this Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe stand out for me is how every bite feels indulgent but still homey. I remember the first time I tried it, and my family went crazy for the way the creamy sauce clings to the pasta with just the right hint of garlic and herbs. Plus, the addition of smoked sausage adds an irresistible depth of flavor that makes this dish more than just another pasta dinner. You ve got to try it-you ll see why it quickly became a go-to in my household.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Rich Flavor Layers: The smoked sausage and Boursin cheese create a depth of flavor that s truly satisfying.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty – it s a crowd-pleaser every single time.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste: You don t need a million pantry items to nail this dish.

A white plate holds a creamy pasta dish with three main layers: the bottom layer shows shell-shaped pasta coated in thick yellow cheese sauce, the middle layer features round slices of browned sausage mixed evenly, and the top layer contains small pieces of diced green and red vegetables scattered throughout the sauce. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more of the same pasta, and a white plate holding three slices of golden-yellow garlic bread, all placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe work together like a dream, combining savory, creamy, and fresh elements that balance perfectly. When shopping, look for quality smoked sausage and fresh veggies to make the flavors pop even more.

Olive Oil: A good base for sautéing; adds a subtle fruitiness to the dish.
Smoked Sausage: Look for one with a nice smoky flavor but not too spicy; it s the star protein here.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Green Bell Pepper: Brings freshness and a slight crunch.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
Veggie Seasoning Blend: Use your favorite mix or simply salt and pepper to keep it simple.
Garlic Cloves: Essential for that punch of aroma and flavor.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and savory notes without overpowering the creaminess.
Heavy Cream: The secret to that luscious, silky sauce.
Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and infuses the sauce with herbs and garlic-really elevates the dish.
Frozen Cheese Tortellini: Convenient and keeps that cheesy filling front and center.
Parmesan Cheese: For mixing in at the end – sharp but creamy, it rounds out the sauce perfectly.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a little heat if you like a bit of a kick.
Salt and Pepper: To taste; seasoning makes all the difference here.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe is-feel free to make it your own by swapping or adding ingredients that you love. It s fun to experiment with different veggies or proteins, so don t hesitate to personalize it!

Vegetarian Version: I once swapped smoked sausage for sautéed mushrooms and added extra herbs-still creamy and satisfying.
Spice it Up: Adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives the dish a lively kick that my friends adore.
Use Different Cheese: If you can t find Boursin, cream cheese mixed with fresh garlic and herbs works well too.
Add Greens: Toss in some baby spinach or kale near the end of cooking for a nutritional boost and extra color.

How to Make Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage to Perfection

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook it until it s beautifully browned and slightly crisp on the edges-this step unlocks all those smoky, caramelized flavors. Once done, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside. Don t rush this part; getting a nice sear really makes a difference.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies Until Tender

In the same skillet (no need to clean out those tasty bits!), add the diced onion and both green and red bell peppers. Sprinkle in your veggie seasoning blend or just a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook everything for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and release their lovely aromas. This makes the sauce base rich and flavorful-plus, who doesn t love tender peppers in a creamy dish?

Step 3: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 1 minute-enough to get it fragrant but not burnt! Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything to combine. Next up, add in the Boursin cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. This is the magic step where everything comes together and gets that luxurious texture.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini in the Creamy Sauce

Carefully add the frozen cheese tortellini straight into the skillet-no need to thaw them first! Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let everything cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and soak up that creamy sauce without getting mushy.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese, Spice, and Sausage

Uncover the skillet and stir in the shaved Parmesan cheese for a sharp, nutty boost. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now-trust me, a pinch goes a long way. Return the browned sausage to the pan and simmer everything together for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Then, serve it up immediately while it s warm and indulgent!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe

Don t Overcook the Tortellini: I learned the hard way that cooking them too long makes them mushy, so keep an eye and aim for tender but with a slight bite.
Use Boursin for Instant Flavor: This cheese melts down so smoothly and adds a herby garlic punch without needing extra seasoning.
Brown the Sausage Well: Crispy edges bring smoky depth and texture-take your time on this step.
Simmer to Thicken: Let the sauce bubble gently to get that perfect creamy consistency without splitting the cream.

How to Serve Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe

A white plate filled with creamy tortellini pasta mixed with sliced sausage. The dish has about two layers with the pasta pieces covered in a light yellow creamy sauce that has small bits of red and green vegetables mixed throughout. Multiple round slices of browned sausage are spread evenly across the pasta. A silver fork holds up a bite that includes a sausage slice and two tortellini pieces coated in the same sauce. In the background, there is another white plate with two thick slices of toasted garlic bread and a white marbled surface beneath everything photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I always top this dish with a little extra shaved Parmesan and some fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness. Sometimes I add a few freshly cracked black peppercorns on top-those little bursts of pepper flavor really lift the creaminess.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to pair with this creamy tortellini include a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted asparagus for an easy veggie side. Garlic bread is a no-brainer here, too-perfect for sopping up every last drop of that sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the tortellini in individual shallow bowls, drizzling a little extra olive oil and sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes on top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can make a fun, elegant touch if you re entertaining guests and want it to look extra fancy without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep nicely for up to 3 days. Since the tortellini soaks up the sauce, it thickens overnight, so be ready to loosen it when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is totally doable-I freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe containers. Just be aware the texture softens a bit after freezing, but the flavor holds up beautifully. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. You can microwave it too, but stir halfway through so it heats evenly and stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh tortellini will cook faster, usually in about 3-4 minutes once added to your sauce, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. The creamy sauce will cling even better to fresh pasta, giving you a slightly lighter texture.
What can I substitute for Boursin cheese?

If Boursin isn t available, cream cheese combined with minced garlic and fresh or dried herbs works great. Goat cheese or ricotta mixed with garlic can also add that creamy, herby vibe.
Is there an option to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the smoked sausage with hearty mushrooms like cremini or portobello, or use a plant-based sausage. Adding extra veggies like zucchini or spinach can also bulk it up nicely without losing the creamy texture.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes offer a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat. You can customize by adding more or less according to your spice tolerance-you’ll still get all the creamy flavors with just a hint of a kick.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?

You can prep many parts in advance-dice veggies, slice sausage, and even make the sauce ahead of time. Then, just combine and cook the tortellini right before serving for fresh, perfectly textured pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it s quick, delicious, and never fails to bring smiles around the table. It s the kind of meal I reach for when I want comfort without the fuss, and I know you ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it. So give it a try soon-your taste buds (and maybe your family!) will thank you for it.