Garlic Alfredo Tortellini

Ingredients:

• 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk, or more, as needed

• 1/2 cup half and half*

• 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed

• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions:

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain well.

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

• Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

• Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

• Gradually whisk in milk and half and half, and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

• Stir in cheeses until melted, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in tortellini and gently toss to combine.

• Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.