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Creamy Garlic Butter Tortellini with Beef & Spinach

Creamy Garlic Butter Tortellini with Beef & Spinach


  • Author: easysweetmeal
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 46 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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound beef tortellini (fresh or frozen)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • ½ cup chopped yellow onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

  • ¼ cup butter

  • ¼ cup chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Cook the Tortellini

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  • Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes for fresh, 8–10 for frozen).

  • Drain well and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

  • While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  • Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.

  • Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic

  • Add ½ cup chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet.

  • Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant.

4. Wilt the Spinach

  • Stir in 5 ounces chopped spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.

5. Make the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce

  • Reduce heat to low. Add ¼ cup butter, ½ cup heavy cream, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.

  • Stir gently until the butter is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

6. Combine Tortellini and Sauce

  • Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, along with ¼ cup chicken broth.

  • Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  • Toss everything to coat evenly.

7. Simmer and Serve

  • Let the dish simmer on low for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.

  • Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • This recipe is a one-pan dinner winner that brings together protein, pasta, and greens in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

  • 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