Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add the sausage, cook and crumble until brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3

Drain any grease from the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

Step 5

Add the chicken broth and half and half. Increase heat and bring to a boil, then decrease heat to a simmer.

Step 6

Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, whisking well to incorporate.

Step 7

Whisk in the cream cheese until incorporated. It melts smoothly when at room temperature.

Step 8

Add the tortellini and then the tomatoes. Stir gently to combine into the sauce.

Step 9

Let it bubble gently, uncovered, until cooked through. Refer to package for exact time frame, typically 4-7 minutes.

Step 10

Stir in the basil leaves and add the sausage back to the pan. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 11

Turn off the heat. The sauce will continue to thicken upon standing.

Step 12

Serve and enjoy!