If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that combines comforting richness with a burst of Italian flair, this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. The tender cheese tortellini enveloped in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, paired with hearty ground beef and flavorful Italian sausage, creates a bite that’s utterly indulgent yet surprisingly easy to prepare. Fresh spinach sneaks in a vibrant touch, balancing out the richness beautifully. This recipe is like a warm hug on a plate and is bound to become one of your go-to weeknight wonders.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to deliver spectacular flavor and texture. Each one plays its part in building that creamy, savory sauce and hearty base that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Cheese tortellini: The star pasta offering a gooey, cheesy center that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Ground beef: Adds a robust, meaty taste and a satisfying texture to anchor the dish.
- Italian sausage: Brings spice and depth with its aromatic herbs and subtle heat, complementing the beef beautifully.
- Fresh spinach: Offers a fresh, slightly earthy note and a vibrant pop of color to brighten the plate.
- Butter: Creates the luscious base for the creamy garlic sauce, enhancing richness.
- Garlic: Provides an irresistible fragrant and savory punch that elevates every bite.
- Heavy cream: Ensures the sauce is decadently smooth and velvety.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding salty, nutty flavor and thickening it just right.
- Olive oil: Perfect for browning the meats with a subtle fruity flavor.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties the whole dish together with a traditional Italian essence.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats to Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a spatula so they cook evenly. Allow the meats to develop a beautiful golden brown crust, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step layers in rich, meaty flavor and texture that elevates the entire dish. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and set the meats aside temporarily.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, gently melt butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and allow it to cook for about a minute until you can smell that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. Then add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick sauté softens the greens and infuses the butter with a touch of freshness that balances the richness ahead.
Step 3: Create the Lush Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly. Now sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce takes on a wonderfully creamy, thick consistency. This aromatic sauce is the heart of your Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe, so savor every moment of the process.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini Just Right
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain carefully but remember to save about half a cup of the pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce consistency in the next step.
Step 5: Combine Everything with Care
Return the browned beef and sausage to the skillet with your creamy sauce. Add the drained tortellini and gently toss to coat every piece with that velvety mixture. If the sauce feels a bit thick, slowly stir in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your perfect sauciness. This gentle folding helps to marry all the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Serve Your Masterpiece
Now it’s time to transfer your creation to warm plates and enjoy. The Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe is best served hot, allowing all those flavors to shine in their full glory.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of cheesy goodness and a bright, herbal finish. A little cracked black pepper on the final dish also adds a nice touch of spice that awakens the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a rustic artisan loaf is also perfect, great for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more formal gathering, serve the tortellini in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a small lemon wedge on the side for a fresh zing. Alternatively, plate it alongside roasted vegetables or a medley of grilled mushrooms to bring extra earthiness and color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal option for busy weeks.
Freezing
This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe freezes well, but for best results, freeze the pasta and sauce separately. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 2 months to enjoy the full freshness.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the tortellini from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative that will still add nice seasoning, though the flavor will be a bit milder than classic Italian sausage.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach well to prevent excess water from diluting your sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can! Substitute the beef and sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives, and it will still be deliciously satisfying.
What kind of Parmesan cheese works best?
Use freshly grated Parmesan whenever possible. Pre-grated versions won’t melt as smoothly or bring the same depth of flavor.
How spicy is the dish?
The dish offers gentle savory warmth from the Italian sausage and seasoning, but you can adjust the heat by choosing spicy sausage or adding red pepper flakes if you like some kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, it’s a satisfying dish full of creamy, garlicky goodness, hearty meats, and fresh greens. Give it a try and enjoy every rich, flavorful bite!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese tortellini tossed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, combined with savory ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and serves six.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
Pasta & Vegetables
- 1 pound cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Dairy
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Other
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the meats aside.
- Sauté garlic and wilt spinach: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, letting it simmer for 3–4 minutes. Add grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook tortellini: While the sauce simmers, cook the cheese tortellini in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Combine and toss: Return the cooked beef and sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained tortellini and gently toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Drain the excess fat after cooking the meat to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce for a creamier texture.
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture, but baby spinach can be substituted.
- Add fresh parsley or basil as garnish to enhance color and flavor.
- Feel free to substitute the Italian sausage with a milder or spicier version depending on your preference.
