Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

When it comes to quick and flavorful pasta dishes, few recipes can compete with Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini. This dish is creamy, savory, and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Originating from traditional Italian cuisine, tortellini has been a staple in Italian households for centuries. While the classic version is often served in broth or creamy sauces, this recipe takes a modern twist by incorporating garlic butter sauce with juicy beef and fresh spinach. If you’re curious about the history and different types of tortellini, check out this deep dive into authentic Italian cooking.

Besides being delicious, this dish is also nutrient-dense. Spinach provides essential vitamins like A, C, and K, while lean beef is packed with protein and iron. For a deeper look at why spinach is considered a superfood, explore its many health benefits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• One-Pan Recipe – Fewer dishes, less cleanup.
• Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of garlic butter, savory beef, and cheese-filled tortellini is rich and satisfying.
• Customizable – Can be made vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well for leftovers.

Ingredients Needed

Before you begin, make sure you have these fresh and high-quality ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• ½ lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for a spicier flavor)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed, and drained)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

• ½ cup heavy cream for a creamier sauce
• ¼ cup white wine for depth of flavor
• 1 tbsp olive oil for extra richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Tortellini

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
• Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions.
• Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Brown the Beef and Garlic

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
• Drain excess fat, then stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
• Cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Spinach and Butter

• Reduce the heat to low and toss in the fresh spinach.
• Stir until the spinach is wilted and evenly mixed with the beef.
• Add the butter, letting it melt into the mixture to form a rich sauce.

4. Combine Everything

• Add the drained tortellini to the skillet.
• Stir in the reserved pasta water to create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
• Toss with Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and allow everything to meld together for 2 minutes.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Plate the Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini while hot.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
• Pair with a crisp salad and a glass of wine. Learn about the best wine pairings for pasta dishes to complement this meal perfectly.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version

• Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat.

Dairy-Free Option

• Swap butter for olive oil and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese.

Gluten-Free Alternative

• Use gluten-free tortellini instead of regular.

Pro Tips for the Best Tortellini

• Use Fresh Tortellini – It has a better texture than frozen or dried versions.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta – Overcooked tortellini can become mushy.
• Balance Garlic and Butter – Too much garlic can overpower the dish.
• Reserve Pasta Water – Helps create a smooth and creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread – Adds extra crunch.
• Caesar Salad – A light, refreshing side.
• Roasted Vegetables – Complements the richness of the dish.

Wine Pairing Recommendations

• Chardonnay – Enhances the buttery notes.
• Pinot Noir – Pairs well with the savory beef and garlic butter sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Tortellini – It only needs a few minutes to cook.
• Not Using Fresh Garlic – Pre-minced garlic doesn’t have the same punch.
• Skipping the Pasta Water – It helps emulsify the sauce for a restaurant-quality dish.

Health Benefits of This Dish

• Rich in Protein – Ground beef provides essential amino acids.
• Loaded with Vitamins – Spinach is high in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
• Good Fats from Butter – A small amount of butter adds flavor without being unhealthy.
• Balanced Carbs – Tortellini gives you sustained energy.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Spinach?

Yes! Just thaw and drain excess water before using.

What’s the Best Type of Tortellini?

Cheese-filled tortellini pairs best, but mushroom-filled or spinach tortellini also work well.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce creamy.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

• Cook the tortellini and beef separately.
• Store in the fridge and combine just before serving.

Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

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• Author: iyma hernandes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A creamy, savory pasta dish featuring cheese tortellini, garlic butter, seasoned beef, and fresh spinach for a quick and flavorful meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• ½ lb ground beef
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
• ¼ cup white wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra richness)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Reduce heat to low and add the spinach, stirring until wilted.
5. Add the butter and let it melt into the mixture, forming a rich sauce.
6. Stir in the cooked tortellini and reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce.
7. Toss with Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and let everything meld together for 2 minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine while cooking the beef.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: tortellini, garlic butter, pasta, beef, spinach