Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe

When I think of comfort food that feels a little fancy but still easy to make at home, Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini comes to mind right away.

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This dish is creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor from tender beef, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach.

If you’re someone who enjoys meals that are flavorful yet simple, this tortellini recipe is perfect. I often serve it with a small side salad or some garlic bread, and it feels like a complete, restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Here’s a quick overview of the recipe:

Feature	Details
Calories	~520 per serving
Protein	~28g
Carbohydrates	~42g
Fat	~25g
Gluten-Free	No (because of tortellini)
Vegan	No (contains beef, cheese)
Main Flavors	Garlic, butter, beef, spinach
Serving Size	1 bowl

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Why You’ll Love this Recipe

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• It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• The garlic butter sauce is rich and full of flavor.
• Beef and tortellini make it hearty and satisfying.
• Spinach adds freshness and makes it a little healthier.
• It looks and tastes like a restaurant-style dish without the cost.
• Great for family dinners or even special occasions.
• Pairs well with simple sides like salad or garlic bread.

Ingredients to Make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

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This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Each ingredient plays its part in making the dish hearty yet balanced. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredients List

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 package (20 oz / 560g) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Ingredient Details

• Ground beef (1 lb): This is the main protein in the dish. Choose lean ground beef for less grease but still plenty of flavor. It makes the tortellini hearty and filling.
• Cheese tortellini (20 oz): Tortellini is the star pasta here. The cheesy filling adds creaminess and makes the dish comforting. Fresh or refrigerated works best for quicker cooking.
• Spinach (3 cups): Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and freshness to balance out the richness of the beef and butter. It also wilts perfectly into the sauce.
• Butter (4 tbsp): The base of the sauce. Butter gives a silky texture and pairs beautifully with garlic to create a savory flavor.
• Garlic (4 cloves): Fresh garlic is essential for the bold flavor in this recipe. It infuses the butter sauce with irresistible aroma and taste.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Cream makes the sauce luscious, smooth, and restaurant-worthy. It ties all the flavors together.
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds nutty, salty richness to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best for taste and melting.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Red pepper flakes (½ tsp, optional): For a subtle kick of heat that complements the garlic butter sauce.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used to sauté the beef, giving it a slightly richer flavor while preventing sticking.

Steps to Make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

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Making this dish is easy, but the key is to follow each step carefully so the flavors build up and the sauce coats the tortellini perfectly. Here’s how you can make it at home:

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Fresh tortellini usually takes about 3–4 minutes, while refrigerated ones may take a little longer. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Toss it lightly with a teaspoon of olive oil to keep it from sticking together.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside. This step ensures the meat is flavorful and doesn’t release too much liquid into the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits from the beef for extra flavor. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the garlic butter. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust with a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Beef Back

Stir in the fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt into the hot sauce. This usually takes just a minute or two. Then, return the cooked beef to the skillet and mix everything together. The sauce should coat the beef and spinach evenly.

Step 6: Combine with Tortellini

Finally, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated with the garlic butter cream sauce. Let it cook for another minute to absorb the flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if you like. It’s rich, creamy, and ready to impress!

Serving Suggestions

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Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and extras can turn it into a complete meal that feels balanced and satisfying. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: A warm, crusty side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy garlic butter sauce. Breadsticks or even a soft baguette work beautifully too.

Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish. Something crisp with cucumbers, tomatoes, or arugula works really well.

Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add extra nutrients and color to the meal.

Parmesan Garnish: A little extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving adds more depth of flavor.

Glass of Wine: For an elevated dinner, pair this tortellini with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

For Kids: If serving to children, a small bowl of fruit on the side makes it more kid-friendly and adds a refreshing touch.

This dish is versatile enough to serve at a casual weeknight dinner, but it also feels fancy enough to put on the table when you have guests.

Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini in Advance?

Yes, you can definitely make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini in advance, and it’s a great option if you want to save time on busy days. The key is knowing which parts of the dish can be prepared ahead and how to store them properly so the flavors stay fresh.

• Cook the Tortellini Ahead: You can cook the tortellini a few hours earlier and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the dish.
• Prepare the Beef: Browning the beef in advance works really well. Once cooked, let it cool and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. This step saves you time when pulling everything together later.
• Make the Garlic Butter Sauce Fresh: While you could prepare the sauce in advance, it’s best to make it fresh so it stays creamy and smooth. Reheated cream sauces sometimes separate, so cooking it right before serving gives the best results.
• Assemble Before Serving: To enjoy the dish at its best, combine the tortellini, beef, spinach, and sauce just before serving. This way, the pasta won’t get soggy and the spinach stays bright and fresh.

If you want to meal prep for the week, you can store each component (cooked beef, cooked tortellini, and fresh spinach) separately, then make the sauce and toss everything together in just 10 minutes.

Tips and Tricks

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Cooking a dish like this doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few little tricks can make all the difference. Here are some helpful tips to get the best results every time:

• Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly and has a better texture than dried. It also soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Tortellini can go from perfectly al dente to mushy in just a minute. Keep a close eye and drain as soon as it’s cooked.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the tortellini, save a small cup of the pasta water. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of this starchy water to loosen it up.
• Sear the Beef Properly: Cook the beef until it’s nicely browned. This adds extra flavor and prevents it from being bland.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes the sauce aromatic and rich—avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar if possible.
• Add Spinach Last: Stir in the spinach right before serving so it keeps its bright green color and fresh taste.
• Make it Lighter: If you want a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even evaporated milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Finish with Extra Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top right before serving makes the dish taste even more indulgent.

Variations

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One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily swap ingredients or tweak the flavors to suit your taste, dietary needs, or even what you already have in your pantry. Here are some tasty variations to try:

1. Protein Swaps

• Chicken: Use diced chicken breast or thighs instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Sausage: Italian sausage adds extra spice and depth of flavor.
• Shrimp: Garlic butter pairs beautifully with shrimp if you want a seafood twist.

2. Different Tortellini Fillings

• Cheese tortellini is the classic choice, but you can also use spinach & ricotta or even mushroom-filled tortellini for a richer flavor.

3. Sauce Adjustments

• Tomato Cream Sauce: Add a few spoonfuls of marinara to the garlic butter cream sauce for a pink, tangy twist.
• Pesto Cream: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto for a fresh, herby version.
• Lighter Sauce: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for fewer calories.

4. Extra Vegetables

• Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to make the dish more filling and colorful.
• Sun-dried tomatoes also add a sweet-tangy flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

5. Spice It Up

• If you enjoy heat, add extra red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne.

6. Vegetarian Version

• Skip the beef entirely and load up on spinach, mushrooms, and other veggies for a hearty meatless dish.

These variations make the dish adaptable for weeknight meals, dinner parties, or even special dietary preferences.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so delicious!), here’s how to store them so they stay fresh and tasty:

• Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The tortellini may absorb some of the sauce, so you might want to add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.
• Freezer: While you can technically freeze this dish, it’s not recommended because the cream-based sauce can separate and the tortellini may turn mushy after thawing. If you do freeze, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Separate Storage: For best results, if you plan ahead, store the cooked beef, pasta, and sauce separately. Then combine everything when reheating to keep the textures fresh.

Tip: Always let the dish cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.

Can We Reheat Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini?

Yes, you can absolutely reheat Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini, but the trick is to do it gently so the pasta doesn’t overcook and the sauce stays creamy. Here are the best methods:

• Stovetop (Best Method): Place the tortellini in a skillet or saucepan over low to medium heat. Add a splash of cream, milk, or even pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. This keeps the pasta tender and the sauce smooth.
• Microwave (Quick Option): Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish. Add a teaspoon of cream or milk on top to prevent dryness. Cover loosely with a lid or damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Oven (For Larger Portions): Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through.

⚡ Tip: Avoid reheating multiple times. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat so the tortellini doesn’t lose its texture.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works just fine. Just cook it a little longer than the package directions until it’s al dente.

2. Do I have to use heavy cream in the sauce?
Not necessarily. You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce, though the texture will be less rich and creamy.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef and cook the tortellini in advance, but it’s best to make the garlic butter sauce fresh to keep it silky and smooth. Reheating assembled pasta can sometimes make it thicker and less creamy.

4. What’s the best type of beef to use?
Lean ground beef is ideal because it won’t release too much grease. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage if you want different flavors.

5. How do I keep the spinach from getting soggy?
Add the spinach right at the end, stirring it in just until it wilts. This keeps it bright and fresh instead of mushy.

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the beef and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for a satisfying meatless version.

7. What can I serve with this recipe?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a light side salad pair beautifully with this rich pasta dish.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is the kind of meal that checks all the boxes—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull together. With tender cheese-filled pasta, juicy beef, fresh spinach, and that irresistible garlic butter cream sauce, every bite feels like a cozy hug. If you are a beef lover, also try Butter Steak and Cheese Ravioli.

What I love most is its versatility—you can dress it up with wine and sides for a dinner party or keep it simple for a quick weeknight family meal. Plus, with all the variations, storage tips, and reheating tricks, it’s a recipe that easily adapts to your lifestyle.

So the next time you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this dish is your answer. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.