Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach

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There are meals that wrap you up like a warm hug, and this one is a top contender. Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach is the kind of dish you make when you’re craving comfort and indulgence in every bite. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, it features plump cheese tortellini smothered in a creamy garlic butter sauce, swirled with browned beef, spicy Italian sausage, and tender spinach.

This dish comes together surprisingly quickly, yet it feels like something special you’d order at a cozy Italian bistro. The flavors melt into one another beautifully: the richness of the beef and sausage, the brightness of the spinach, and the bold aroma of garlic all balanced by a velvety, luscious cream sauce. It’s the kind of pasta you’ll go back to for seconds without hesitation.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach

You get everything you love in a hearty dinner: cheese-stuffed pasta, a luxuriously creamy sauce, and two types of flavorful meat. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.

The creamy sauce clings to each tortellini bite and complements the garlic butter base beautifully. The addition of spinach not only brings freshness and color but balances out the richness. With every spoonful, you get creamy, cheesy, meaty perfection.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini is ideal for this recipe. It cooks up quickly and has the best texture when paired with a creamy sauce. Avoid dry tortellini unless you’re in a pinch—it tends to be firmer and won’t soak up the flavor as well.

If you want to switch things up, you can also use spinach and cheese tortellini or even mushroom-stuffed versions. Just keep the filling simple to complement the creamy garlic butter and hearty meats.

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

The flavor of this dish depends on a few standout ingredients that come together to form a rich, savory, and creamy pasta experience. Each one plays a distinct role in adding depth and balance.

• Cheese tortellini: The pasta base of the dish, filled with creamy cheese and a soft bite.
• Ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory depth and protein.
• Italian sausage: Brings a punch of flavor and just a hint of spice to keep the dish exciting.
• Fresh spinach: Provides color and a fresh, earthy contrast to the richness.
• Garlic: The aromatic backbone of the dish, adding warmth and flavor.
• Butter: Forms the foundation of the sauce, giving it richness and silkiness.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luscious, smooth, and indulgent.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that ties the creamy sauce together.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.

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

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Start by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks and stir occasionally until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Push the meat to one side of the pan and add the butter and minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir it into the meat mixture.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow it to gently simmer so the flavors come together and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Spinach

Toss in the cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Stir everything gently to coat. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve hot and creamy, straight from the pan.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach

This rich and creamy tortellini dish is best served hot and fresh from the pan. The sauce is at its peak when the tortellini is tender and the cheese is melted into the creamy garlic base. Serve it in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top and a crack of black pepper.

This recipe feeds about 4 hungry people comfortably. It can easily be doubled for a bigger crowd or portioned out for meal prep.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezing is possible, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly when thawed. For best results, consume within a month if freezing.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with warm, crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and Parmesan shavings are a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

A sheet pan of simply seasoned roasted broccoli is a great way to add veggies without overwhelming the plate.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a burst of brightness to balance the meal.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Slightly sweet and tangy carrots pair well with the savory and creamy notes of the tortellini.

Crispy Eggplant Slices

Breaded and oven-baked eggplant slices make a satisfying side that echoes Italian comfort.

Antipasto Skewers

Skewers with olives, cherry tomatoes, salami, and mozzarella balls can be a fun, bite-sized addition.

A Glass of Red Wine

A smooth Chianti or a bold Zinfandel elevates the whole meal beautifully.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach, here are more Luna Meals recipes you won’t want to miss:

• Try the Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a bolder, garlicky flavor.

• The Creamy Mushroom Ravioli is a vegetarian favorite with earthy depth.

• For a cozy, slurp-worthy bowl, check out Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup.

• Go full comfort mode with the Amish Sunday Savior Casserole that layers savory indulgence.

• Or lighten things up with the Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken — perfect for warm days.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with spicy Italian sausage or mild? Add extra garlic? Maybe swapped spinach for kale?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. If you’ve got questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Let’s make dinner better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to comfort meals.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach is that perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and a little indulgence. It’s ideal for those nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or cozy date night, this one is sure to satisfy and impress.

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