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

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of pasta smothered in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce—especially when it’s loaded with pillowy tortellini, tender beef, spicy Italian sausage, and wilted spinach. I made this Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce on a chilly evening, and it instantly became a new favorite in my dinner rotation. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without being overly fussy, and trust me—it tastes even better than it looks.

I love how this dish hits every note: savory meat, creamy sauce, garlicky richness, and that cheesy bite from the tortellini. The spinach folds in a little earthiness that balances everything beautifully. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but also feels fancy enough to serve guests. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner idea, an easy recipe to impress, or just another reason to use tortellini creatively—this one checks all the boxes.

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

This dish is a full meal in one skillet—no need for extra sides unless you want them. The creamy garlic butter sauce coats every bite of tortellini without being too heavy. The sausage and beef add richness and protein, while the spinach gives it a boost of freshness. Best of all? You can make it in under 30 minutes with very little cleanup. It’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner that delivers bold flavor and cozy comfort in every bite.

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What Type of Tortellini Works Best for Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce?

You can go with either fresh or refrigerated tortellini for this recipe—both work beautifully. I usually grab cheese-filled tortellini because the mild, creamy center pairs well with the bold flavors from the sausage and beef. If you’re feeling adventurous, try spinach-ricotta or even mushroom-filled varieties for an extra layer of depth. Just steer clear of overly seasoned or spicy fillings, since the sauce already packs a punch.

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Options for Substitutions

Don’t have all the ingredients? No worries—this dish is flexible:

• Tortellini: Substitute with ravioli or gnocchi if that’s what’s in your fridge.
• Ground Beef: Ground turkey or ground chicken make lighter options without sacrificing heartiness.
• Italian Sausage: Chorizo can bring a smoky, spicy twist, or use mild sausage if you prefer less heat.
• Heavy Cream: Half-and-half works if you’re cutting calories, or use a mix of cream cheese and milk for richness.
• Spinach: Kale, arugula, or even finely chopped broccoli florets are all great greens to swap in.
• Butter: Use ghee for a deeper, nutty flavor or olive oil if you want a lighter touch.

This recipe is all about comfort and customization—so feel free to play around with what you’ve got on hand.

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

Cheese Tortellini
These soft, filled pasta pockets are the star of the dish—cheesy, tender, and perfect for soaking up all that garlic butter goodness.

Ground Beef
Adds savory depth and heartiness. I use an 80/20 blend for flavor, but lean works too.

Italian Sausage (mild or spicy)
This brings bold seasoning and richness. The fennel and herbs in the sausage complement the garlic butter sauce beautifully.

Fresh Spinach
Wilts into the sauce and balances the richness with a touch of earthy freshness.

Garlic (lots of it!)
The key flavor driver in this dish—fragrant, golden, and infused into the butter.

Unsalted Butter
Used to sauté and create that luscious, garlicky base for the sauce.

Heavy Cream
This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and brings everything together.

Grated Parmesan Cheese
Melted into the sauce and sprinkled on top for extra umami and cheesiness.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Adds a little heat and contrast to the creaminess of the dish.

Salt and Black Pepper
To season everything to perfection and bring out all the flavors.

Olive Oil
For browning the meats and helping everything cook evenly without burning the butter.

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Step 1: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil and add the ground beef and Italian sausage (casings removed). Break them up with a spatula and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Once cooked through, transfer the meat to a plate and set aside. Leave a little bit of the drippings in the pan for flavor.

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Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes—be careful not to burn it.

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Step 3: Add the Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and sauté until just wilted. The garlic butter coats the greens beautifully and creates a base for the creamy sauce.

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Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce for added richness.

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Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

Meanwhile, cook the tortellini in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package directions—usually around 3–5 minutes. Drain and add directly to the skillet with the creamy sauce.

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Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the browned beef and sausage to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the tortellini in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Let everything heat through for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors really come together.

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Step 7: Finish and Serve

Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Sprinkle more Parmesan on top and serve hot. You’ll want some bread nearby to soak up every last bit of that sauce.

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How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach

This dish comes together surprisingly fast. Here’s the timing breakdown:

• Browning meat: 6–8 minutes
• Garlic + spinach sauté: 3–4 minutes
• Simmering sauce: 3–5 minutes
• Cooking tortellini: 3–5 minutes
• Combining everything: 2–3 minutes

Total cook time: About 20–25 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce

• Don’t overcook the tortellini. Pull them from the water as soon as they float and are tender to avoid a mushy texture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and gives the sauce a smoother, richer flavor than pre-shredded versions.
• Let the sauce simmer before adding the cheese. This helps it thicken naturally and keeps it from breaking.
• Brown the meat well. A good sear on the sausage and beef adds a caramelized flavor that really deepens the whole dish.
• Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick when combining—this helps everything bind together beautifully.
• Taste and season at the end. The sausage and cheese already carry salt, so wait until the final step before adjusting.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the browning step: If you rush through cooking the meat, you’ll miss out on that deep, savory flavor. Make sure you get some nice golden edges before removing it from the pan.
• Overcooking the tortellini: Tortellini cooks quickly. Leaving it in the water too long will make it fall apart when you toss it with the sauce.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic turns bitter fast—keep the heat moderate and stir it constantly once it hits the butter.
• Adding cold cream: If your cream is straight from the fridge, it can cause the sauce to separate. Let it come to room temperature for a smoother blend.
• Forgetting to season at the end: The sausage and Parmesan add salt, but you still need to taste the final dish and adjust with salt and pepper to bring everything into balance.

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What to Serve With Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce?

Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks

Perfect for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp, tangy vinaigrette-based salad helps balance the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts

Adds a bit of texture and a healthy, earthy bite to contrast the creaminess.

Grilled Asparagus

Lightly charred and seasoned with lemon—great next to a creamy dish like this.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a fresh and colorful side that pairs well with pasta.

Red Wine or Sparkling Water with Lemon

Either will cleanse your palate and complement the richness of the sauce.

Antipasto Platter

If you’re serving this as part of a dinner party, start with some marinated olives, artichokes, and sliced cured meats.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers of Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce store surprisingly well, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: While the creamy sauce may change texture slightly when frozen, you can freeze this dish in individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating Tips: Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the tortellini rubbery. A stovetop pan with a little added liquid gives the best results.

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Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind these are general estimates based on standard ingredients and serving sizes:

• Serving Size: 1 generous bowl (about 1½ cups)
• Calories: 620
• Total Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 820mg
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 29g

This dish is indulgent, but balanced—packed with protein and comforting flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish lighter?

Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, use ground turkey instead of beef, and skip extra cheese on top to reduce calories and fat.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything up to the final step and refrigerate. Reheat gently and toss in the tortellini just before serving for the freshest texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

It depends on the sausage you use. Mild Italian sausage keeps it tame, but you can dial up the heat with spicy sausage and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely! Just cook according to package directions before combining it with the sauce.

What if I don’t eat pork?

Use a pork-free sausage or double up on ground beef or ground chicken. You’ll still get all the flavor from the garlic butter sauce.

Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables?

Definitely. Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers sautéed with the garlic are great additions that blend well with the creamy base.

Does this recipe work without meat?

Yes! Skip the sausage and beef and load up on veggies. Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth and umami.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk. It revives the sauce and keeps the tortellini from drying out.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach is everything you want in a cozy, flavor-packed dinner—quick to make, indulgent yet balanced, and satisfying from the first bite to the last. Whether you’re feeding a family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this is the kind of recipe that never fails. It’s rich, hearty, and flexible enough to suit whatever ingredients you’ve got on hand. Try it once, and it just might become your new go-to comfort meal.

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