Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
Savor rich, creamy Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini that combines tender ground beef, fresh spinach, and cheese tortellini in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This comforting and speedy weeknight meal comes together in under 30 minutes and offers a perfect balance of garlicky, savory, and fresh flavors sure to please the whole family.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free tortellini used)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or well-marbled)
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Red pepper flakes, a pinch (optional for heat)
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove excess fat if desired.
- Prepare the Spinach and Garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the beef, cooking until fragrant—about 1 minute. Stir in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, preserving its vibrant green color.
- Boil the Tortellini: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Allow it to bubble lightly, then mix it with the beef and spinach mixture, stirring well to coat everything in the luscious sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Add the drained tortellini into the skillet and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and, if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and spinach for best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook tortellini to keep them plump and tender.
- Brown the beef well to develop rich flavors.
- Use high-quality unsalted butter for a creamier sauce.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini, Spinach Tortellini, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meal, Creamy Pasta, Beef Pasta