Description
Craving something rich, cozy, and full of flavor? This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the ultimate one-skillet dinner idea. Tender cheese tortellini are smothered in a velvety garlic butter cream sauce, balanced with the boldness of Italian sausage and beef, and finished with vibrant spinach. It’s the perfect quick dinner recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re in need of comfort food, a weeknight meal upgrade, or easy dinner ideas that wow guests, this hearty pasta dish delivers every time.
Ingredients
1 lb cheese tortellini
0.5 lb ground Italian sausage
0.5 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions, minus 1 minute. Drain and set aside with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high. Add ground Italian sausage and beef. Season with salt and pepper. Brown for 7–9 minutes, then remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stir well, and scrape up browned bits. Add Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
5. Add chopped spinach and let it wilt, about 2 minutes.
6. Return sausage and beef to the skillet, add tortellini, and gently toss to coat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until fully heated through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Use heavy cream, not milk, for a sauce that stays rich and doesn’t split.
Don’t overcook the tortellini; slightly undercooked pasta keeps its shape in the sauce.
Add the spinach at the end to keep it fresh and vibrant in color and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 870
- Fat: 41
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 17
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 120
Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, tortellini recipe, comfort food, easy recipe, Italian dinner