Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach

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There’s something irresistibly cozy about a bowl of cheesy tortellini wrapped in a silky garlic butter sauce, loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender beef, and earthy spinach. It’s the kind of dish that transforms a hectic weeknight into a comforting dinner moment, where every bite brings a sigh of relief and a smile to your face.

The best part? This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach comes together quickly and easily, but tastes like it simmered all day. It balances richness with hearty textures and delivers a burst of flavor in every forkful. Whether you’re serving it to family or just indulging yourself, it’s one of those meals you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

From the first creamy bite to the last savory swirl of sauce, this tortellini dish hits all the right notes. It brings together the comfort of pasta, the boldness of garlic butter, and the warmth of Italian sausage. The addition of fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, while the beef boosts the umami depth. It’s satisfying without being too heavy, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special gatherings.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

While you can use any tortellini you love, cheese-filled tortellini is a perfect match for this recipe. It complements the savory richness of the sauce and adds just the right amount of creaminess to each bite. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini works best for faster cooking and a more tender texture, though frozen can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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

This dish is all about combining bold ingredients to create a cozy and crave-worthy pasta dinner. Every component brings something essential to the table, from the meaty depth of sausage to the creamy finish of the garlic butter sauce. Here’s what you need:

• Cheese tortellini
• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Fresh spinach
• Garlic cloves
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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

Step 1: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break it up as it cooks, then drain any excess fat. Set aside in a bowl.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, add unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir often to avoid scorching. Add Parmesan cheese, whisking until it melts into a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. This takes just a minute or two. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked meat to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss everything together until fully coated. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the creamy tortellini hot, with extra Parmesan on top if desired. Serve immediately and watch it disappear.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

This rich, creamy tortellini dish feeds about 4 to 6 hungry people, making it a perfect option for a small dinner party or a hearty family meal. It’s best served immediately while the sauce is warm and silky, coating every bite of pasta. Pair it with a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired experience.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of cream or milk when reheating will bring it right back to life. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini?

Crisp Caesar Salad

The cool crunch of romaine, tangy dressing, and shaved Parmesan cuts through the richness of the tortellini beautifully.

Roasted Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with buttery, crispy garlic bread to mop up every bit of that creamy sauce.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

The sweetness and slight char add a great contrast to the savory pasta.

Italian Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add brightness and a touch of elegance.

Simple Antipasto Platter

Serve as an appetizer with cured meats, olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers.

Lemon Butter Asparagus

Light and zesty, this side balances the heavier tortellini and adds a touch of green to the plate.

Classic Minestrone Soup

Start with a warm bowl of minestrone to double down on the cozy, comforting vibes.

Herb Focaccia

A soft, herby bread that pairs deliciously with the creamy pasta and offers a wonderful texture contrast.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy tortellini dish, here are a few more pasta dinners from Luna Meals that are just as cozy, satisfying, and full of bold flavor:

• Try the Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you’re in the mood for a creamier, garlicky twist on a classic.
• Craving a seafood option? Our Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna layers all the good stuff into a bubbling masterpiece.
• For a low-effort but flavor-packed option, check out the Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake with a rich, meaty base.
• Keep it hearty with the Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce, a fusion that brings spice and comfort together.
• Or go veggie-forward with our Healthy Sausage Veggie Skillet Meal, ideal for quick weeknight cravings.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make any fun substitutions? Maybe swapped beef for chicken or used kale instead of spinach?

I love seeing how everyone personalizes these dishes. If you have questions, drop them below — I’m here to help and learn from your ideas too.

Explore beautifully curated comfort dinners and fresh inspiration over at Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover new go-to favorites for your weekly menu.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach isn’t just a mouthful to say — it’s a mouthful of absolute comfort. Each ingredient layers into the next, creating a sauce so silky and savory you’ll want to scoop it with bread. It’s a perfect dinner for those moments when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you make it, it’s bound to become part of your comfort food rotation.

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