Name: Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that combines rich flavors with a little green goodness, this Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is the perfect dish. It’s everything you could want in a weeknight dinner: quick, simple, and utterly satisfying. There’s something magical about the combination of tender cheese tortellini, savory beef, garlic butter, and the freshness of spinach that really hits the spot.

The beauty of this dish is that it’s so easy to make, yet feels like you’ve spent hours crafting it. The garlic butter sauce is creamy and flavorful, while the beef gives it a satisfying heartiness. The spinach adds a pop of color and a healthy boost.

This is my go-to recipe for busy nights when I need to get dinner on the table quickly but still want something that feels comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this dish works well for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a cozy weekend meal. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for hectic evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I know how easy it is to fall into the trap of making the same meals over and over, but trust me, this Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is a refreshing twist. The combination of savory ground beef, garlicky goodness, and tender tortellini wrapped in a creamy sauce is seriously addictive. It’s comfort food, but with a healthy (and delicious) spin, thanks to the spinach.

This dish is versatile, too! If you’re looking to mix things up, you can easily substitute the beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Plus, the red pepper flakes are totally optional, so if you want a milder flavor, simply skip them. But if you love a little heat, they’ll give the dish the perfect kick!

What makes this recipe even more special is how it strikes the perfect balance of flavors. The richness of the garlic butter sauce, combined with the earthiness of the beef and the subtle freshness of the spinach, creates a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. You’ll also appreciate how the tortellini soaks up all the delicious sauce, making every bite a creamy, flavorful experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation:

Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, carefully drop in the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Typically, it’ll take about 3-5 minutes for the tortellini to float to the surface and be perfectly tender. Once done, drain the pasta, but make sure to save about a cup of the cooking water. Set it aside for later trust me, it’ll help make the sauce even creamier!
Brown the Beef:
While your tortellini is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in the ground beef and let it cook, breaking it apart with your spatula as it browns. Stir occasionally, and don’t be afraid to get a little crispy bit in there for added flavor. After about 6-7 minutes, the beef should be nice and golden, and you can move on to the next step.
Season the Beef:
Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re in the mood for a little heat!). Stir everything together, letting the spices infuse into the meat. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing!
Add the Garlic:
Now, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant be careful not to burn it, though! Garlic cooks quickly, and you want it to release its sweet, savory aroma without turning bitter.
Pour in the Broth:
Next, pour in the beef broth. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. At this point, you can also add that reserved pasta water if you want to add a little extra liquid. Give everything a good stir and allow the flavors to meld together.
Add Butter and Spinach:
Now, it’s time to add the real richness! Stir in the butter and let it melt into the broth, creating a velvety base. Then, gently toss in the fresh spinach. It will wilt down quite quickly, so give it a stir until it’s all nicely incorporated into the sauce.
Combine Tortellini with Sauce:
At this point, your tortellini should be ready to go! Add it directly to the skillet with the beef and spinach mixture. Toss gently, making sure each piece of tortellini gets coated with that beautiful, garlicky, buttery sauce.
Add Parmesan and Parsley:
Once everything is well combined, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir it in to add a salty, creamy richness. Don’t forget the fresh parsley! Sprinkle it on top for a touch of color and freshness.

Variation Ideas

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt based on your dietary preferences or what you have available in your pantry. Let’s take a look at a few ways to switch things up:

1. Go Leaner:
If you’re looking to cut down on calories or fat, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. The flavors will still be delicious, and the garlic butter sauce will make sure that the dish remains just as rich and comforting.

2. Make It Vegetarian:
For a vegetarian version, you could replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms. Both of these options will soak up the garlic butter sauce and provide a hearty texture. Just make sure to add a bit more seasoning to bring out the depth of flavors.

3. Dairy-Free Option:
If you’re avoiding dairy, you can swap the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. For the Parmesan cheese, try using a dairy-free cheese or simply omit it if you prefer. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful without the dairy, but it will have a slightly different texture.

4. Add Extra Veggies:
This recipe is a great base for additional vegetables. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor. You can sauté the vegetables alongside the garlic or toss them into the sauce when you add the spinach.

5. Make It Spicy:
If you love a bit of heat, bump up the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe. You can even add a dash of hot sauce or a finely chopped jalapeño to the garlic and beef mixture for an extra kick. This will give the dish an entirely new dimension of flavor, perfect for spice lovers!

How to Serve

Now that your Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is ready, it’s time to serve it up! This dish is already a one-pot wonder, but there are plenty of ways to elevate it and create the perfect meal experience.

1. Pair It With a Simple Salad:
To balance out the richness of the garlic butter sauce, consider serving the tortellini with a light, refreshing salad. A classic Caesar salad, a simple mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, or even a fresh tomato and mozzarella salad would complement the dish beautifully. The freshness and crunch of the salad will provide a nice contrast to the creamy, savory pasta.

2. Serve It With Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread:
What’s better than a bowl of creamy pasta? A piece of crispy, buttery garlic bread to scoop up that last bit of sauce! Whether you choose to buy a loaf of crusty bread or make your own, a side of garlic bread is the perfect companion to this meal. The bread will soak up all the flavorful garlic butter sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.

3. Top It Off With Extra Parmesan:
For those who love a bit more cheese, feel free to sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan on top just before serving. The salty, nutty flavor of the cheese enhances the richness of the dish and makes it even more indulgent. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.

4. Serve With a Side of Roasted Vegetables:
If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, roasted veggies are a great option. Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or even sweet potatoes make the perfect side dishes. The caramelized flavors of the roasted veggies complement the creamy pasta, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to make sure your Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Fresh Garlic:
Fresh garlic will give the dish a much richer and more aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced garlic. When cooking, be sure to sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant but not burnt, as burnt garlic can become bitter.

2. Don’t Overcook the Spinach:
Spinach cooks quickly, so make sure to add it towards the end of the cooking process. Overcooking spinach can make it soggy and lose its bright green color. A quick wilt is all you need!

3. Don’t Skip the Pasta Cooking Liquid:
When cooking your tortellini, reserve a small amount of the cooking liquid. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to help thicken it and ensure that the sauce coats the pasta perfectly.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 500
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 950mg

Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
A: Yes! Frozen tortellini will work just as well. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly usually about 1-2 extra minutes so be sure to check the package instructions.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and heat it on the stovetop.

Q: Can I substitute the beef for something else?
A: Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version. Ground sausage would also be a delicious option for a bit more flavor.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by using a dairy-free butter substitute and omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with friends, it’s sure to impress. The rich garlic butter sauce, savory beef, and tender spinach make every bite a delight, while the tortellini adds the perfect bite of cheesy goodness. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is easy enough to make on any night.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious flavors that come together in this cozy pasta dish. Don’t forget to leave a comment to share your experience or any variations you tried I love hearing how you make it your own! Happy cooking!