Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini

STEP 1: ITALIAN SAUSAGE

Break up the sausage and cook in a large skillet on medium heat until cooked through. Set aside.

STEP 2: CREAMY SAUCE

In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil and generously salt. To the skillet, sauté the shallots until translucent then add the garlic and cook until just beginning to brown and become fragrant. Deglaze the pan with the lemon juice. Add the cream, red pepper, black pepper, and salt. Scrape the pan to get all the fond off the bottom and mix with the sauce. Reduce heat to low and bring sauce to a simmer for 5-10 minutes.

STEP 3: PASTA

While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini. Retain some of the pasta water and drain the rest through a colander. Quickly get the tortellini into the sauce and get it coated. Add pasta water to the sauce as needed to reach your desired consistency.

STEP 4: SERVE

Top with fresh torn basil and serve.