Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach

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This dish is everything you want in a cozy comfort meal: creamy, garlicky, buttery, and loaded with flavor. Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach isn’t just easy to make, it’s the kind of weeknight dinner that tastes like you put in hours of love and effort. The cheese-filled tortellini soaks up the luscious garlic butter sauce while savory sausage and fresh spinach bring balance and richness to every bite.

The combination of tender beef tortellini with the mild heat of Italian sausage and the silkiness of a garlic butter cream sauce is next-level satisfying. It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and your tastebuds extremely happy. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting friends, this one will steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver. It’s rich and filling without being heavy, thanks to the spinach, and it all cooks in under 30 minutes. The garlic butter sauce is the true star here, coating every tortellini with velvety goodness that practically melts in your mouth. It’s cozy and fancy at the same time, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special nights.

Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Fresh?

Absolutely. Frozen tortellini works great, just give it a few extra minutes to cook until tender. You don’t need to thaw it beforehand, just add a splash of extra cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much while the frozen pasta cooks. Keep an eye on it and give it a gentle stir to avoid sticking.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach

A short ingredient list with bold flavors is what makes this dish so lovable. Each component plays an important role in bringing layers of richness, spice, and freshness.

• Cheese Tortellini: These little pasta pockets are the heart of the dish, absorbing the sauce and adding a creamy, cheesy bite.
• Italian Sausage: Spicy or mild, this adds bold seasoning and savory depth to balance the creamy sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates the rich base for the garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, aromatic flavor that defines this dish.
• Heavy Cream: Brings the luscious creamy texture that clings to every bite of tortellini.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty note and helps thicken the sauce.
• Spinach: A handful of greens cuts through the richness and adds color, nutrients, and freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the entire dish just right.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by cooking the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks and let it get golden and slightly crispy. Once browned, transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle gently for a minute until fragrant. This is where the flavor base begins.

Step 3: Add the Cream and Parmesan

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Toss in the Tortellini

Add your cheese tortellini directly into the sauce. If using fresh tortellini, they’ll cook in about 3-4 minutes. For frozen, it may take a few more minutes. Stir gently to coat them well.

Step 5: Stir in Sausage and Spinach

Return the sausage to the pan and add in the spinach. Let it wilt into the sauce, stirring occasionally. The flavors will blend together beautifully in this final step.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top if you’d like.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This creamy garlic butter tortellini is best served hot, straight from the skillet, when the sauce is at its silkiest and the tortellini is perfectly tender. It feeds about 4 people, but it’s easy to double for larger gatherings or to keep leftovers for lunch the next day.

To store, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. It holds up well and still tastes delicious even after a day or two.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

Garlic Bread

A crispy, golden loaf of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce and adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy tortellini.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan make Caesar salad a refreshing companion.

Roasted Asparagus

Its subtle earthiness and tender bite make roasted asparagus a smart and light pairing.

Bruschetta

Chopped tomatoes, basil, and olive oil on toasted baguette slices can serve as a light, acidic starter before diving into this creamy main.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

The tangy glaze cuts through the richness while the caramelized edges bring a touch of sweetness.

Sautéed Mushrooms

These deepen the umami factor and mirror the hearty feel of the sausage.

A Glass of Red Wine

If you’re going all out, pour a glass of Chianti or Zinfandel to sip alongside.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach, you’re in for a treat with these savory favorites from MiaPlates:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a kid-friendly take on a creamy classic.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you’re craving a no-bake option that’s ready in minutes.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re a fan of bold, cheesy flavors.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for an extra rich dinner night.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for that cozy, smoky depth.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it whenever you need a creamy pasta fix.

And if you gave it your own twist, I’d love to hear about it in the comments! Did you use kale instead of spinach? Maybe a different type of tortellini? Let’s swap ideas and keep inspiring each other in the kitchen.

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