Creamy Cheesy Sausage & Broccoli Tortellini Bake
This delightful Creamy Cheesy Sausage & Broccoli Tortellini Bake is a perfect weeknight meal that brings together the rich flavors of smoked Polish sausage and tender broccoli with the comforting charm of cheese and pasta. The addition of a creamy garlic and mustard sauce elevates the dish, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve hot alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to complete your satisfying dinner experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried tricolor tortellini
1 cup (uncooked)
broccoli florets
3 cups (cut into bite-sized pieces)
smoked Polish sausage
8 ounces (halved lengthwise and thinly bias-sliced)
butter or margarine
1 tablespoon (unsalted)
garlic clove
1 (very finely minced)
all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (sifted)
caraway seeds
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
milk or half-and-half
1 cup (whole or low-fat)
swiss cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
coarse grain mustard
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
1. In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the dried tortellini and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2
2. After 10 minutes, add the broccoli florets and sliced sausage to the pot. Return to a boil and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until both the tortellini and broccoli are tender but still firm. Drain the mixture well and keep it warm.
3
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4
4. Stir in the flour and caraway seeds until well combined, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux.
5
5. Gradually add the milk or half-and-half, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
6
6. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded Swiss cheese and coarse grain mustard. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
7
7. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the tortellini mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
8
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired, alongside garlic bread and a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is the Creamy Cheesy Sausage & Broccoli Tortellini Bake.
How many servings does this dish provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pasta is required?
You will need 1 cup of dried tricolor tortellini.
How long should I cook the tortellini?
Cook the tortellini for 10 minutes before adding the other ingredients to the pot.
What kind of sausage is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of smoked Polish sausage.
How should the Polish sausage be prepared?
The sausage should be halved lengthwise and thinly bias-sliced.
When do I add the broccoli to the pot?
Add the broccoli florets to the pot after the tortellini has cooked for 10 minutes.
How much broccoli is needed?
You need 3 cups of broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces.
What is the total cooking time for the broccoli and sausage?
They should be cooked for an additional 5 minutes once the water returns to a boil.
What type of cheese is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of shredded Swiss cheese.
Can I use half-and-half instead of milk?
Yes, you can use either 1 cup of milk or half-and-half.
What type of mustard is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of coarse grain mustard.
How do I prepare the garlic for the sauce?
The garlic clove should be very finely minced.
What are caraway seeds used for?
Caraway seeds are added to the roux to provide a distinct flavor to the creamy sauce.
How do I make the roux?
Melt butter, sauté the garlic, then stir in flour and caraway seeds for about 1 minute.
What is the first step in making the cheese sauce?
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Stir continuously while adding the milk and continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted.
What side dishes go well with this tortellini bake?
It is best served with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a hit with both kids and adults.
What kind of flour should I use?
You should use 1 tablespoon of sifted all-purpose flour.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine.
Should the tortellini and broccoli be drained?
Yes, drain the mixture well after boiling and keep it warm before adding the sauce.
What is the recommended garnish?
You can garnish the dish with extra cheese if desired.
How much caraway seed should I add?
Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds, depending on your taste preference.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
What is the texture of the cooked tortellini and broccoli?
They should be tender but still firm.
Do I need to salt the water for the pasta?
Yes, bring salted water to a boil before adding the tortellini.
How do I combine the sauce and the pasta?
Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the tortellini mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
How long does it take to sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
Is this considered an easy dinner recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dinner' and 'comfort food'.