Tortellini With Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream

New England Chef's Note:

I found a version of this recipe online. This is a modified version of it. It is the first home made meal I prepared. Simple but delicious! It is one of the few recipes I cook consistently.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 (20 ounce) package fresh tortellini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 (28 ounce) can plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 6 to 8 minutes, drain.
2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and pepper flakes. Cook until sausage is no longer pink, stirring often, about 8 minutes, drain.
3. Add onion and garlic to skillet and cook until onion is tender and sausage is light brown, stirring often, about 7 minutes.
4. Stir in cream, tomatoes, salt and parsley. Simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir cooked pasta into sauce, and heat through.