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.
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.
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.