If you’re craving a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s bursting with richness and freshness, the Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines tender ground beef cooked in fragrant garlic butter, with vibrant spinach and cheesy tortellini for a dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Its harmonious blend of textures and tastes makes it perfect for any weeknight meal or when you want to impress family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe plays a crucial role in creating its delightful balance of flavors and textures. From the simplicity of olive oil to the freshness of spinach and the comforting richness of butter, each component contributes something special.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a light, fruity base for cooking the beef and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory depth to the dish without excess fat.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that brighten and enhance all the flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant kick that melds beautifully with the butter and beef.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a luscious sauce that coats the tortellini and infuses the dish with richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle warmth for those who appreciate a mild spicy touch.
- 9 oz fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star pasta that brings cheesy, pillowy comfort in every bite.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped: Introduces vibrant color and a subtle earthiness while adding nutritional value.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional): Brightens the dish with juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish: Lends a nutty, savory finish that ties all ingredients together.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses a balanced herbaceous note that complements the beef and veggies.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water: Perfect for adjusting sauce consistency while keeping it silky and smooth.
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of green that invites you to dig in.
How to Make Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cooking the pasta until just al dente gives it a perfect bite that won’t get mushy later. Remember to save about a quarter cup of that starchy pasta water when you drain the tortellini — it’s your secret weapon to a silky sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the tortellini cooks, warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and season it with salt and black pepper. Break it apart gently with a spatula, letting it brown evenly to develop that irresistible savory crust. This step sets the stage for the dish’s meaty richness.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Add Butter
Turn the heat down slightly and toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook just until fragrant so it doesn’t burn, releasing its deep aroma into the pan. Then stir in the butter and, if you like a little heat, sprinkle in the optional red pepper flakes. This garlic butter mixture adds luxurious flavor and coats the beef beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Tortellini, Seasoning, and Spinach
Next, add the drained tortellini into the skillet along with the Italian seasoning. Stir everything gently to combine, then fold in the chopped spinach. The greens will quickly wilt, brightening the dish both visually and with fresh flavor.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Parmesan, and Pasta Water
Gently mix in the halved cherry tomatoes if you’re using them. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring to loosen the sauce and make sure every morsel is coated. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over everything, allowing it to melt just enough to bind the ingredients with creamy richness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan over the top. This final flourish adds a burst of color and an herbal freshness that is irresistible. Your Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe is ready to impress.
How to Serve Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese right before serving. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add dimension and make each plate look inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty tortellini meal with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette works beautifully to soak up the luscious garlic butter sauce, making every bite satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the tortellini in warm shallow bowls with a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers on top. Serving individual portions with small ramekins of extra Parmesan and chili flakes encourages everyone to customize their experience, turning a cozy meal into a memorable one.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors develop even more after resting a bit, making for an easy and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag. It should keep well for up to two months. To preserve texture, avoid freezing with fresh herbs; add those fresh during reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve the tenderness of the beef and tortellini. A quick toss over the heat melts the Parmesan back into the sauce and revives the vibrant spinach.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh or refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to package directions and keep an eye on texture to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and consider adding mushrooms or a savory plant-based meat substitute for that satisfying umami flavor. The garlic butter and spinach will still make it delicious.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent alternatives that maintain the nutty, salty flavor. Nutritional yeast can also work for a dairy-free option.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes add just a mild kick—enough to gently warm the palate without overpowering the other flavors. You can omit or increase according to your spice preference.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can brown the beef and mince the garlic in advance. Cooking the tortellini fresh is best, but if needed, pre-cooked tortellini can be reheated carefully. Assembling and combining everything right before serving ensures the freshest and best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in pasta form. Easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough to share with loved ones, it ticks all the boxes for comfort, flavor, and simplicity. I hope you give it a try—it just might become your next favorite go-to meal!
Print
Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring savory garlic butter ground beef tossed with fresh spinach and cheese tortellini, finished with Parmesan and Italian seasoning for a comforting and easy meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pasta and Vegetables
- 9 oz fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh cheese tortellini and cook them according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the tortellini in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Cook Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and break it into smaller crumbles as it cooks until browned.
- Sauté Garlic and Butter: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until fragrant. Then stir in the unsalted butter and, if desired, the red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Combine Tortellini and Seasoning: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the seasoned meat and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Stir in the roughly chopped fresh baby spinach to allow it to wilt. Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes and pour in the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Finish with Cheese and Garnish: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a smooth sauce that coats the tortellini well.
- Using fresh or refrigerated tortellini gives the best texture but frozen can be used with adjusted cooking time.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a plant-based crumbled meat alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook the spinach to preserve its bright color and nutrients.
