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Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Looking for a cozy, restaurant-worthy dinner idea that comes together in one pan? This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach is your answer. A quick dinner packed with flavor, it combines cheese-stuffed tortellini, savory Italian sausage, tender spinach, and a luxurious garlic butter cream sauce. Whether you need easy dinner inspiration or crave something comforting and hearty, this creamy tortellini recipe is both indulgent and weeknight-friendly. Perfect for family meals, date nights, or lazy weekends—this one ticks all the boxes for easy recipes, pasta food ideas, and creamy dinner options.


Ingredients

1 lb refrigerated beef or cheese tortellini

0.5 lb Italian sausage, casing removed

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth

0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

2 cups fresh baby spinach

0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)


Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Lower the heat, add butter to the pan, and stir in minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Italian seasoning. Scrape the pan to deglaze and simmer for 3–4 minutes.

4. Add the tortellini to the sauce. Stir gently to coat. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

5. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.

6. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.

7. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use refrigerated tortellini for the best texture and quicker cook time.

Stir in spinach only at the end to keep it fresh and vibrant.

If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-pan / Sauté
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 43g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, tortellini recipe, easy dinner, one-pan meal, garlic butter, sausage pasta