Stick Butter Tortellini

One Pot Stick of Butter Tortellini is a creamy, comforting meal that brings rich flavors together in a single pot without the hassle of multiple dishes. It blends cheese tortellini with savory chicken sausage and a luscious buttery cream sauce, making it a go—to recipe for weeknights or when you crave something indulgent yet simple.

I first cooked this one night after a long day and was surprised how fast it came together. Now it’s a meal my family asks for regularly because it feels like a cozy treat but demands minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Chicken Italian sausage: One pound — adds a rich, savory protein component.
• Cheese tortellini: Twenty—four ounces — the pasta is the heart of the dish providing tender, cheesy pockets.
• Garlic and herb butter: One stick — makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and flavorful.
• Minced garlic: For an aromatic base and depth.
• Heavy cream: One cup — creates the creamy consistency that clings to the tortellini.
• Garlic and herb whipped cream cheese: Four ounces — adds silkiness and a subtle herbaceous note.
• Grated parmesan cheese: One cup — for a salty, nutty finish.
• Black pepper: One and a half teaspoons — balances the richness with spice.
• Onion powder: One and a half teaspoons — complements the garlic and enhances flavor.
• Italian seasoning: Two teaspoons — a blend of herbs that lifts the dish.
• Red pepper flakes: One teaspoon — optional for a subtle kick.
• Beef broth: One and a half cups — tenderizes the pasta and deepens the flavor.
• Fresh basil: For a bright, fresh garnish at the end.
• Notes: Choose a high-quality butter with herbs for best flavor and look for fresh sausage with good fat content and tortellini that is not dried or frozen for the best creamy result.

Instructions

Cook the Sausage:

Dice the chicken Italian sausage into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large pot over medium—high heat and cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside to keep the pot ready for sauce preparation.

Prepare the Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium—low to prevent burning. Add the stick of garlic and herb butter to the empty pot. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. This step builds the flavorful base of your sauce.

Combine Ingredients:

Sprinkle in the black pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the beef broth slowly while stirring to combine everything smoothly. Next, add the heavy cream and continue stirring so the sauce becomes uniform.

Cook the Tortellini:

Add the cheese tortellini to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Dollop in the whipped garlic and herb cream cheese and gently stir to combine. Place a lid on the pot, bring everything to a simmer, and cook for about ten minutes until the tortellini are tender and have absorbed the flavors.

Finish Up:

Remove the lid and stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves. Add the cooked sausage back into the pot and stir well so the meat is coated by the creamy sauce. Serve right away while it’s warm and silky.

I adore the garlic and herb butter because it instantly transforms simple ingredients into something special. One Sunday when I first made this, the smell filled the whole house and my kids declared it their new favorite dinner.

Storage tips

Keep leftover tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before storing, make sure it is cooled to room temperature to maintain texture. To freeze, transfer portions into freezer—safe bags or containers, label with the date, and store for up to two months. When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

Ingredient substitutions

If you want a lighter option, use half—and—half instead of heavy cream and substitute light cream cheese or omit cream cheese altogether. Swap beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth to adjust the flavor profile. For sausage, ground turkey or vegetarian sausage can work well without sacrificing protein. Feel free to add fresh spinach or roasted bell peppers during the simmer step to sneak in extra veggies.

Serving suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple mixed greens salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Try serving with warm garlic bread for soaking up all the sauce or a side of steamed broccoli for crunch and nutrition. Fresh basil or extra parmesan shavings on top add a nice finishing touch.

Serve warm garnished with fresh basil and extra parmesan. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What ingredients are used in the stick butter tortellini?

Key ingredients include cheese tortellini, chicken Italian sausage, butter, garlic, heavy cream, cream cheese, parmesan, and seasonings like Italian herbs and black pepper.

→ How long does it take to cook this tortellini dish?

The entire dish can be prepared and cooked in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and convenient meal option.

→ Can I customize this dish with other proteins or vegetables?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers and substitute proteins such as turkey or shrimp to suit your preferences.

→ What cooking method is used for this meal?

All components are cooked together in a single pot, which helps meld flavors and reduces cleanup time.

→ How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.