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Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 21 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe with you because it’s honestly one of my go-to comfort meals that always feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. The combination of tender cheese tortellini smothered in a luscious, garlic-herb cream sauce with smoky, savory sausage is just irresistible. It’s filling without being heavy, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something cozy but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.

What makes this Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe stand out for me is how easy it comes together and how many layers of flavor you get from just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish delivers on both taste and simplicity. Plus, it reheats beautifully so you can enjoy the leftovers too!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with the creamy, garlicky sauce for a rich but not overpowering taste.
  • Quick and Easy: You can have this meal on the table in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on tight evenings.
  • One-Pan Cooking: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and saving you time.
  • Versatile Ingredients: With simple, easy-to-find ingredients, you can tweak this dish to your liking without stress.
A close-up view of a serving of tortellini pasta covered in a thick creamy yellow sauce with specks of red and green vegetables. Slices of browned sausage with a slightly crispy texture are mixed throughout the pasta. The pasta is placed on a simple white plate in the lower center of the image. In the background to the left, a black pan filled with more of the creamy tortellini is partially visible. To the right and slightly behind, two slices of garlic bread with a golden-brown crust sit on a white plate. All items are on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe uses a handful of ingredients that all bring something special to the table. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture, and I love how approachable they are when shopping.

  • Olive Oil: Adds a fruity, rich base for sautéing without overpowering any flavors.
  • Smoked Sausage: Brings smoky depth and savory meaty texture that makes the dish hearty.
  • Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and aroma as it softens.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Introduces a slight earthiness and crunch to balance creaminess.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Offers subtle sweetness and vibrant color for visual appeal.
  • Veggie Seasoning Blend: Conveniently boosts flavor with herbs and spices; you can personalize this with your favorite blends.
  • Garlic Cloves: Garlic is a must for that punch of sharp, aromatic flavor that carries the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Light but flavorful liquid base that enriches the sauce without heaviness.
  • Heavy Cream: Infuses the sauce with luscious creaminess and smooth texture.
  • Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese: Instant flavor upgrade—this herbed cheese melts beautifully and adds complexity.
  • Frozen Cheese Tortellini: The star carb—tender pillows packed with cheesy filling make every bite delightful.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled in at the end for salty richness and a slightly nutty finish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A dash of heat that wakes up the palate without stealing the show.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to make everything pop just right.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often switch up the sausage or add extra veggies depending on what I have on hand. Feel free to experiment—your kitchen, your rules!

  • Vegetarian Variation: Swap smoked sausage for sautéed mushrooms and add a smoky paprika to keep that signature depth I adore.
  • Spicy Twist: If you love heat like I do, I recommend bumping up the red pepper flakes or adding a few dashes of hot sauce right before serving.
  • Seasonal Vegetables: When peppers aren’t in season, zucchini or spinach works beautifully to add freshness.
  • Cheese Substitutions: I’ve used cream cheese or goat cheese when I was out of Boursin and it all turned out delicious—just adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté it until it’s beautifully browned and slightly crispy on the edges—this caramelization is what brings that amazing smoky, savory base to the dish. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. This step sets the tone for all the flavors that follow, so take your time here.

Step 2: Soften the Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in your diced onion and chopped bell peppers, along with your veggie seasoning blend. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This lets their natural sweetness come to life and lets the peppers mellow just enough to balance the creamy sauce later.

Step 3: Garlic and Creamy Base

Add your minced garlic to the pan and stir for just about a minute until fragrant—don’t walk away, garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and stir in the Boursin cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. You’re creating this thick, dreamy base here that’s packed with garlicky, herby flavor—this is the moment the dish really starts to come alive.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini Right in the Sauce

Dump in the frozen cheese tortellini and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pan, lower the heat, and let it simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The tortellini cooks right in the sauce, soaking up flavor while staying perfectly al dente—this is my favorite kitchen hack for saving time and washing fewer dishes!

Step 5: Finish and Serve!

Once the tortellini is tender and sauce thickened, uncover, sprinkle in the Parmesan and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Return the browned sausage to the pan and give everything a good stir. Let it simmer for a couple more minutes so the sauce thickens further and all the flavors meld together. Serve it steaming hot, maybe with some crusty bread to sop up the sauce—you’re in for a treat!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Brown the sausage in a single layer so it crisps up nicely instead of steaming.
  • Use Frozen Tortellini Straight: No need to thaw—adding frozen tortellini directly saves time and keeps them from clumping.
  • Adjust Creaminess on the Fly: If sauce gets too thick, splash in extra broth or cream to loosen it up to your liking.
  • Taste Before Seasoning: Because of the salty sausage and cheeses, adjust salt and pepper at the end to avoid oversalting.

How to Serve Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe

A white plate is filled with creamy tortellini pasta mixed with sliced sausage pieces and small bits of red and green vegetables. The pasta and sausage are covered in a thick, light yellow sauce that looks smooth and rich. The tortellini are plump with a shiny texture, and the sausage slices are round with a slightly browned edge. A silver fork, held by a woman's hand, lifts a bite showing two tortellini and a slice of sausage dripping with sauce. In the background, there is a white plate with two slices of toasted bread. All is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of green and fresh herbal notes. A little extra shaved Parmesan on top never hurts either, especially if you’re serving guests and want it to look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy tortellini with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted broccoli for a nice contrast in texture. When I want to go all out, a slice of crusty garlic bread is my go-to to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this in individual shallow bowls garnished with edible flowers and freshly cracked black pepper—the presentation elevates the humble skillet dinner into something fancy but still approachable. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage in an airtight container in the fridge and it lasts nicely for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so leftovers can be even tastier than fresh!

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze tortellini dishes because the texture can change slightly, I have successfully frozen this recipe in small portions for emergencies. Just thaw slowly in the fridge overnight and add a splash of broth when reheating to bring back creaminess.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat is gently warming it in a skillet over low heat with a little chicken broth or cream added to loosen the sauce. Stirring often helps maintain a nice silky texture. The microwave works too, but keep an eye on it and stir halfway through so things heat evenly.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen in this recipe?

    Absolutely! Fresh tortellini will cook faster than frozen, so keep an eye on it and reduce the simmer time to avoid it getting too soft. It’s a great option when you want an even more tender pasta bite.

  2. What if I don’t have Boursin cheese? What can I substitute?

    If you don’t have Boursin, cream cheese mixed with some garlic powder and dried herbs works well as a substitute. Goat cheese can add tang and creaminess too, just be aware it will shift the flavor profile slightly.

  3. Is there an alternative to smoked sausage for a less smoky flavor?

    You can swap smoked sausage for cooked Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even diced ham if you prefer a milder, less smoky taste. Just adjust seasoning accordingly so the dish doesn’t lose its savory depth.

  4. How spicy is the Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe?

    The recipe is mildly spicy if you add the optional red pepper flakes, but you control the heat—feel free to add more, less, or skip entirely based on your spice preference.

  5. Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

    To make a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative and omit the cheeses or use dairy-free cheese substitutes. The flavor will change, but it’s still delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe has become one of those comforting staples I turn to when I want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s just something magic about the creamy sauce and smoky sausage working together that feels like home on a plate. Give it a try soon, and I promise it’ll brighten your dinner rotation!

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Creamy Tortellini with Smoked Sausage Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 21 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
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Description

This creamy tortellini with smoked sausage recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender cheese tortellini in a rich sauce made with Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth, complemented by sautéed smoked sausage and bell peppers for a balanced meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 14 oz Smoked Sausage, sliced
  • 1 Yellow Onion, diced
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
  • 1 tbsp Veggie Seasoning Blend
  • 6-7 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 5.3 oz Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese
  • 19 oz Frozen Cheese Tortellini
  • 3 oz Shaved or Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, use up to 1 tsp)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Smoked Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add sliced smoked sausage and sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Season with the veggie seasoning blend and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the Boursin garlic and fine herbs cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted into the sauce.
  5. Cook Tortellini: Add the frozen cheese tortellini to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
  6. Finish the Dish: Uncover the skillet, stir in the shaved or grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Return the browned smoked sausage to the pan and simmer uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve: Serve the creamy tortellini with smoked sausage hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or herbs if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is also possible; stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
  • The tortellini remains al dente when freshly cooked but will soften slightly as leftovers.
  • You can substitute smoked sausage with Italian sausage or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • For a spicier version, increase red pepper flakes according to taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

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