Get ready to indulge in a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl! This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef & Spinach Tortellini is the epitome of cozy comfort food. Tender beef (or savory ground beef) is simmered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce with fresh spinach, then tossed with cheesy tortellini and rich Parmesan. It’s a quick, incredibly flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a hearty dose of deliciousness.
Why I Love This Recipe
This tortellini dish is a true favorite in my kitchen for its amazing blend of flavors and textures. What I love most is how effortlessly it combines the richness of beef with the creamy, aromatic goodness of a garlic butter sauce. The fresh spinach adds a touch of brightness and nutrition, while the cheesy tortellini makes every bite incredibly satisfying. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight solution, yet it tastes like something you’d order from a fancy Italian restaurant. It’s comforting, hearty, and always a huge hit with the whole family!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting and delicious tortellini dish:
- 1 lb beef stew meat or ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 package of cheese tortellini (about 9 oz, fresh or dried)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Beef: While beef stew meat (cut into very small pieces) offers a deeper flavor from slow cooking, using 1 lb of ground beef will significantly speed up cooking time for a quicker meal.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control saltiness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for the best flavor in this sauce.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down quickly. Frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed very dry) can be used in a pinch.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for the rich, creamy sauce. Half-and-half can be used for a slightly lighter sauce, but it won’t be as rich.
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth gives you more control over the saltiness. Chicken broth can be substituted.
- Cheese Tortellini: Use fresh or dried cheese tortellini. Other pasta shapes like penne or rotini could work, but tortellini adds a lovely cheesy bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and adds a salty, nutty finish. Pecorino Romano can also be used.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley adds brightness and color.
Directions
Let’s get this cozy Creamy Garlic Butter Beef & Spinach Tortellini cooking in your skillet!
- Brown the Beef: Heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (a deep, wide skillet works best) over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat (if using, cut it into very small, bite-sized pieces) or ground beef. Cook until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small crumbles if using ground beef. If using ground beef, drain any excess fat from the skillet and remove the cooked beef to a plate; set aside. If using stew meat, once browned, you can leave it in the pan or remove it, depending on how much residual fat is left.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as burnt garlic will taste bitter.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach to the skillet with the garlic butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the spinach has completely wilted down.
- Simmer Cream Sauce: Stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of beef broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cook Tortellini: While the sauce is simmering, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the cooked tortellini well and set aside.
- Combine & Season: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. If you previously removed the beef, add it back to the skillet now. Toss everything gently to coat the tortellini and beef with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Beef & Spinach Tortellini!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Beef: If using ground beef, cook it until just browned. If using stew meat, ensure it’s in small enough pieces to cook through in the skillet.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly! Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly to prevent bitterness.
- Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down significantly. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out all excess water.
- Al Dente Tortellini: Cook the tortellini just to al dente, as it will continue to absorb flavors in the sauce.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: This melts better and provides a superior flavor compared to pre-grated.
- Serve Immediately: Pasta in creamy sauces is best served hot and fresh.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef & Spinach Tortellini is a hearty, complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:
- Garlic Bread: A must-have for soaking up any extra creamy sauce!
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus or broccoli would complement the dish beautifully.
- For other comforting pasta and Italian-inspired meals, consider our Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce or a quick weeknight favorite like This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably, and the pasta will absorb more liquid.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. Reheating on the stovetop over very low heat is also an option, stirring constantly.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish due to the cream sauce (which can separate) and the tortellini (which can become mushy).
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this tortellini dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another comforting beef and pasta casserole, check out our Sour Cream Noodle Bake.
- If you’re a fan of super quick and easy weeknight dinner shortcuts, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a must-try!
- And for a simple yet incredibly flavorful skillet meal, don’t miss This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- Finally, for a versatile chicken and rice dish that’s always a hit, our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a winner.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef & Spinach Tortellini recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal to your table with incredible ease. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, promising a bowl full of rich flavors and tender textures that will make everyone happy.
Give this recipe a try and let the creamy comfort fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite go-to comfort food with pasta? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
Leave a Reply