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
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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