Name: Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 9 oz cheese tortellini; ½ lb ground beef; ½ lb Italian sausage; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

I can’t even begin to tell you how obsessed I am with this Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach. From the very first time I made it, I knew it would become a weeknight staple—and honestly, it’s just too good to gatekeep. Picture pillowy tortellini drenched in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, kissed with cream, and loaded with hearty crumbles of seasoned beef and sausage. Throw in some wilted spinach for a touch of green and a blanket of melty cheese… yeah, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

This dish is what comfort food should be: fast, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. I’ve made it on hectic weeknights, slow Sunday dinners, and even for company—and it always hits. Whether you’re a pasta lover or someone who just needs a quick but memorable dinner idea, this tortellini masterpiece never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach

Quick & Easy – One pan, simple steps, done in 30 minutes.
Flavor Bomb – The mix of garlic butter, meat, and cream makes every bite addictive.
Hearty Yet Balanced – Rich enough to satisfy, with spinach to freshen things up.
Customizable – Swap meats or even go meatless with mushrooms.
Crowd-Pleaser – Kids love it, guests are impressed, and leftovers reheat like a dream.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

For this recipe, I usually grab refrigerated cheese tortellini from the deli section. It cooks fast, has a lovely chewy texture, and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully. If you’re using frozen tortellini, just adjust the cooking time accordingly—it still works perfectly. Fresh homemade tortellini? Absolutely, if you’re feeling ambitious. Just be sure it holds up to the richness of the sauce and hearty meat.

Meat-filled tortellini can also work, but I prefer cheese to keep the dish balanced since we already have sausage and beef doing the heavy lifting on the protein front. Spinach and ricotta-filled versions are also great for an earthier flavor.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re out of something or catering to dietary needs, this recipe is flexible:

Meat Options: Swap the ground beef or sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat.
Tortellini Alternatives: Use ravioli, gnocchi, or regular pasta like penne if tortellini isn’t available.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and cream alternatives. Vegan tortellini also exists and works surprisingly well.
Low-Carb Version: Sub the tortellini with sautéed zucchini noodles or roasted cauliflower, and skip the flour if thickening the sauce.
Add Heat: Toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.

This dish is forgiving—just keep the core idea of creamy, garlicky comfort intact.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach

Cheese Tortellini
The star of the show—pillowy, cheesy, and perfect for soaking up the rich garlic butter sauce.

Ground Beef
Adds hearty flavor and a meaty bite. It brings depth and satisfying texture to the dish.

Italian Sausage
Infuses the sauce with spicy, herby goodness. Use sweet or spicy based on your preference.

Garlic (lots of it!)
Melted into butter, garlic lays the foundation for that signature flavor. Don’t skimp.

Unsalted Butter
The base of the garlic butter sauce—rich, silky, and essential.

Heavy Cream
Brings the whole sauce together with a creamy, velvety finish.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds saltiness and a nutty sharpness that balances the richness.

Mozzarella Cheese
Melts beautifully into the sauce and creates those dreamy cheese pulls.

Fresh Spinach
A touch of green that wilts perfectly into the sauce and balances the richness.

Salt & Black Pepper
Basic seasoning that helps everything shine. Always season to taste.

Italian Seasoning (optional)
Adds aromatic herbal notes and enhances the sausage flavor.

Olive Oil
Used to brown the meat and bring a little extra depth to the pan before the sauce builds.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
For those who like a little kick of heat, just a pinch will do.

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage (casings removed if using links), breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Once done, transfer the meat to a bowl and set aside. Drain excess grease, but leave a bit in the pan for flavor.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown. This is the base that gives the whole dish its signature flavor.

Step 3: Add the Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add in the Parmesan and mozzarella. Stir until everything is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted into the sauce. This usually takes just 1–2 minutes. It adds color, nutrients, and balances the richness.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

While the sauce is coming together, boil your tortellini in a separate pot according to package directions. Drain well, but don’t rinse—starch helps the sauce cling better.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked tortellini and the reserved beef and sausage mixture into the creamy garlic butter sauce. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. Let it cook together for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 7: Taste and Finish

Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot, topped with a bit more shredded mozzarella or Parmesan if you like that extra cheesy finish.

How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach

From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes. Here’s the breakdown:

Browning meats: 6–8 minutes
Sauce prep & simmer: 6–7 minutes
Tortellini cooking: 4–6 minutes (can be done while sauce cooks)
Combining everything & final simmer: 2–3 minutes

It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but still feels indulgent enough for a weekend dinner.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach

Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Cook them just until tender—overcooked tortellini can fall apart and get mushy.
Use Fresh Garlic: The fresher, the better. It’s the key to that deep garlic butter flavor.
Sear the Meat Well: Let it brown—not just cook. Browning builds flavor and texture.
Let Cheese Fully Melt: When adding Parmesan and mozzarella, stir patiently until fully incorporated into the sauce for that creamy, silky finish.
Add Spinach Last: Overcooked spinach can go slimy—just wilt it gently and remove from heat soon after.
Taste as You Go: Especially when seasoning at the end. The sausage and cheese already add salt, so avoid over-salting.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the Pan: When browning the meats, give them room to sear. If the pan is too packed, the meat will steam instead of brown, which dulls the flavor.
Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast—just a minute is enough. Burnt garlic turns bitter and will overpower the dish.
Using Low-Fat Dairy: Don’t swap in milk or low-fat cream; it’ll make the sauce too thin and less flavorful. Stick with heavy cream for that lush, velvety texture.
Not Draining the Pasta Well: Excess water can water down the sauce. Drain tortellini well but don’t rinse—rinsing washes away the starch that helps sauce cling.
Skipping the Cheese Melt Time: Adding cheese too fast or not letting it melt evenly can leave the sauce grainy.
Forgetting to Season: Taste at the end. Even with flavorful sausage and cheese, a pinch of salt or pepper might still be needed.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crunchy romaine, tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan—classic and refreshing.

Roasted Broccolini

Lightly charred with olive oil and lemon—it complements the richness beautifully.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil on toothpicks with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a fresh starter.

Antipasto Platter

Olives, cured meats, marinated veggies, and cheeses to snack on before the main dish.

Chilled White Wine

Something like a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay balances the creaminess of the sauce.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

Simple, refreshing, and a great palate cleanser between bites.

Tiramisu or Panna Cotta

If you’re going full Italian for dessert, these creamy options wrap things up perfectly.

Storage Instructions

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully. Let the tortellini cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 3–4 days in the fridge. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better.
Freezer: Not ideal. The creamy sauce can separate, and tortellini may get mushy when thawed.
To Reheat: Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Microwave works too, but stir halfway through for even heating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 6 servings)

Calories: 620
Protein: 28g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 880mg

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on the type of tortellini, sausage, and cheese used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the meat and sauce a day in advance. Just cook the tortellini fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time. Frozen tortellini holds up well in this creamy sauce.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Skip the meat and use mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. Add extra spinach or even roasted red peppers for more depth.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Full-fat coconut milk or a rich plant-based cream can work, but it may slightly change the flavor. Half-and-half is an option, though the sauce will be thinner.

Can I bake this dish after assembling it?

Yes! Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until bubbly and golden.

How spicy is this dish?

Not spicy at all unless you use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes. You control the heat.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini work well. Just sauté them before adding to the sauce.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Add a splash of reserved pasta water, milk, or broth to thin it slightly. Stir well and adjust as needed.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach is one of those meals that hits the sweet spot between comfort and ease. It’s packed with bold flavor, hearty enough to fill you up, and creamy in all the right ways. Whether you’re whipping it up on a cold weeknight or serving it to guests, this dish delivers every time.

It’s flexible, fast, and family-friendly—with the kind of leftovers you’ll look forward to. If you’re looking for a new dinner idea to add to your rotation, give this one a try. You might just find yourself making it on repeat.