Stick Butter Tortellini (Printer-Friendly)

Quick, creamy tortellini with butter, chicken sausage, and parmesan, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1 lb Italian chicken sausage

→ Pasta

02 - 24 oz cheese tortellini

→ Sauces & Dairy

03 - 1 stick (113 g) garlic and herb butter
04 - 2 tsp minced garlic
05 - 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
06 - 4 oz (113 g) garlic and herb whipped cream cheese
07 - 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings

08 - 1.5 tsp black pepper
09 - 1.5 tsp onion powder
10 - 2 tsp Italian seasoning
11 - 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Broth & Herbs

12 - 1.5 cups (360 ml) beef broth
13 - Fresh basil leaves

# Steps to Make This:

01 - Slice the Italian chicken sausage and cook over medium-high heat in a large pot until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
02 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the garlic and herb butter along with minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for one minute until fragrant.
03 - Incorporate black pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Pour in beef broth followed by heavy cream, stirring thoroughly.
04 - Add cheese tortellini and whisk in the whipped cream cheese. Cover the pot, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for approximately 10 minutes until tortellini are tender and plump.
05 - Stir in grated Parmesan and fresh basil. Return cooked sausage to the pot and mix until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer before adding tortellini.
02 - Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level.
03 - Use fresh basil for a brighter flavor.