Looking for a rich, satisfying, and easy weeknight meal? This Creamy Garlic Butter Tortellini with Beef and Spinach delivers bold flavor and indulgent texture in every bite. Tender beef tortellini is tossed with seasoned ground beef, fresh spinach, and a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. It’s the perfect one-pan pasta recipe the whole family will love.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich, creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, and Parmesan
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High-protein meal that’s hearty and satisfying
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Quick and easy — ready in just 30 minutes
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Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners
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Family-friendly and kid-approved
Ingredients Breakdown
Pasta & Protein:
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Beef Tortellini (1 pound, fresh or frozen):
Filled with savory beef, these bite-sized pasta pockets are the star of the dish. -
Ground Beef (1 pound):
Adds hearty, meaty richness and turns this into a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
Aromatics & Vegetables:
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Yellow Onion (½ cup, chopped):
Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish. -
Garlic (2 cloves, minced):
Infuses the sauce with irresistible garlicky flavor. -
Fresh Spinach (5 oz, chopped):
Adds freshness, color, and nutrients to balance the richness.
Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
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Olive Oil (1 tbsp):
For browning the beef and enhancing the flavor base. -
Butter (¼ cup):
Gives the sauce a luxurious, velvety finish. -
Heavy Cream (½ cup):
The main ingredient in the creamy sauce — rich and indulgent. -
Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup + more for garnish):
Adds saltiness, nuttiness, and helps thicken the sauce. -
Chicken Broth (¼ cup):
Lightens the sauce slightly and enhances the savory depth.
Seasoning:
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Italian Seasoning (1 tsp):
A classic blend that ties the dish together with herbaceous notes. -
Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional):
Adds a gentle kick of heat if you like a little spice. -
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper:
Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Tips and Tricks
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
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If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream.
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For a leaner option, use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.
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Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Variations and Customizations
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Cheese Tortellini Swap: Works great with cheese-filled or spinach tortellini too.
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Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
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Vegetarian Version: Omit ground beef and add more spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
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Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the butter.
Pairing Suggestions
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Garlic breadsticks or crusty artisan bread for soaking up extra sauce
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A side of Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad
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A glass of red (Cabernet or Chianti) or sparkling water with lemon
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream.
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Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce separating after thawing.
Popular Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and cook everything ahead. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
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What kind of tortellini should I use?
Fresh or frozen beef tortellini both work well. Cheese tortellini can also be used.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream gives the best texture and flavor, but in a pinch, whole milk with a little extra Parmesan can substitute.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Tortellini with Beef & Spinach
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A rich, one-pan meal with tender tortellini, savory ground beef, wilted spinach, and a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce—ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick, comforting dinner.
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Ingredients
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1 pound beef tortellini (fresh or frozen)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound ground beef
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½ cup chopped yellow onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
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½ cup heavy cream
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
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¼ cup butter
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¼ cup chicken broth
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Tortellini
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes for fresh, 8–10 for frozen).
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Drain well and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
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While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
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Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic
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Add ½ cup chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet.
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Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Wilt the Spinach
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Stir in 5 ounces chopped spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce
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Reduce heat to low. Add ¼ cup butter, ½ cup heavy cream, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
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Stir gently until the butter is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
6. Combine Tortellini and Sauce
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Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, along with ¼ cup chicken broth.
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Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Toss everything to coat evenly.
7. Simmer and Serve
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Let the dish simmer on low for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
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Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
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This recipe is a one-pan dinner winner that brings together protein, pasta, and greens in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
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It’s also budget-friendly and perfect for meal prep or serving a hungry crowd.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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