Tortellini Alfredo with Spinach and Sausage

Highlighted under: Cozy Home-Cooked Recipes

Indulge in this creamy Tortellini Alfredo, packed with fresh spinach and savory sausage for a hearty meal.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T23:06:18.520Z

Tortellini Alfredo with Spinach and Sausage is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and textures. The creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly complements the tender tortellini, while the spinach adds a fresh touch and the sausage provides a satisfying heartiness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy Alfredo sauce that clings to every tortellini
  • Nutritious spinach adds color and flavor
  • Savory sausage brings a delicious depth to the dish
  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners

A Comforting Classic

Tortellini Alfredo is a beloved dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a favorite for many. The creamy Alfredo sauce provides a luxurious coating for the tender tortellini, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Pairing it with fresh spinach not only enhances its nutritional value but also adds a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing.

The addition of sausage elevates this recipe by introducing a savory element that balances the richness of the sauce. As the sausage cooks, it releases its flavorful juices, which meld beautifully with the Alfredo sauce, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings warmth and comfort to any dining table.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it's a busy weeknight or a special gathering, Tortellini Alfredo with Spinach and Sausage fits the bill perfectly. It’s quick to prepare, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for families on the go, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a hearty and nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Additionally, this dish is versatile. You can easily swap the sausage for grilled chicken or even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat entirely. No matter how you choose to customize it, the creamy Alfredo sauce and cheesy tortellini remain the star of the show, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Tortellini Alfredo turns out perfectly, be sure to use high-quality ingredients. Fresh tortellini, preferably from the refrigerated section, will yield the best texture and flavor. For the Alfredo sauce, using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated will enhance the creaminess and richness of the sauce, making a noticeable difference in taste.

Don’t rush the process of making the sauce. Allow the garlic to sauté until fragrant before adding the cream, as this step infuses the sauce with a deeper flavor. Lastly, remember to adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding salt and pepper gradually. This attention to detail will elevate your dish and impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Alfredo Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tortellini

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 8 oz Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl before cooking.

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked tortellini, spinach, and sausage to the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to combine and cook until the spinach wilts.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

Enjoy your delicious Tortellini Alfredo!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly is key to enjoying this dish again. Allow the Tortellini Alfredo to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's creaminess.

Freezing is also an option, but it's important to note that the texture of the tortellini may change. If you choose to freeze it, consider freezing the sauce separately. This way, you can enjoy the dish fresh without compromising the quality of the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Tortellini Alfredo with Spinach and Sausage pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a side of garlic bread. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the dish, while the garlic bread provides a perfect vehicle for scooping up any leftover sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

For a more gourmet touch, consider garnishing your plate with fresh basil or parsley, along with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds layers of flavor that elevate your meal.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini; just increase the cooking time as per package instructions.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze Tortellini Alfredo?

It's best to freeze the sauce separately from the tortellini to maintain texture, but you can freeze the combined dish if needed.

Tortellini Alfredo with Spinach and Sausage

Indulge in this creamy Tortellini Alfredo, packed with fresh spinach and savory sausage for a hearty meal.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Cozy Home-Cooked Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Alfredo Sauce

  1. 1 cup heavy cream
  2. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  3. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tortellini

  1. 12 oz cheese tortellini
  2. 2 cups fresh spinach
  3. 8 oz Italian sausage, casing removed
  4. 1 tablespoon olive oil

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 04

Add the cooked tortellini, spinach, and sausage to the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to combine and cook until the spinach wilts.

Step 05

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 540 kcal
  • Total Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 20g