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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Bake with Sausage & Broccoli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Bake - featured image
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This comforting baked pasta dish features pillowy cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and tender broccoli florets, all coated in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 oz fresh cheese tortellini (refrigerated or thawed frozen)
  • 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed, spicy or sweet)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (cut small, fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut broccoli into small florets (about 1-inch pieces). Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before tossing.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage (casings removed), breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in 1 cup grated parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 3–4 minutes for fresh, 6–7 for frozen). Drain well.
  6. In a large oven-safe baking dish, layer cooked tortellini, browned sausage, broccoli, and creamy sauce. Gently toss so the sauce coats everything evenly.
  7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and extra parmesan evenly across the top. Add a pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For vegetarian, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or meatless crumbles. Use gluten-free tortellini for a gluten-free version. Prep broccoli while sausage browns and cook tortellini while sauce simmers for efficiency. If the bake seems dry, add a splash of cream after baking. Cover with foil for softer broccoli or broil briefly for a crispier top.

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini bake, creamy pasta, sausage broccoli casserole, garlic parmesan, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, baked pasta, Italian casserole

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-tortellini-bake-recipe-easy-sausage-and-broccoli-dinner/