Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe
Savory Tortellini Tossed in Garlic Butter with Tender Ground Beef and Fresh Spinach – A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Meal
If you’re looking for a deliciously savory, yet easy-to-make dinner, this Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is the perfect dish for you. In just 25 minutes, you’ll enjoy a rich, flavorful pasta dish with tender ground beef, fresh spinach, and a savory garlic butter sauce that ties everything together. With the added creaminess of Parmesan cheese, this meal is comforting, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress your family or guests.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini:
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the Cheese Tortellini:
Begin by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once the tortellini is cooked to al dente, drain the water and set it aside. Be sure to save a little bit of pasta water if you’d like to adjust the sauce consistency later. - Sauté Garlic in Butter:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant. This step infuses the butter with a delicious garlic flavor that will form the base of your sauce. - Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the garlic butter mixture. Break it apart with a spatula or spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season the beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir the beef to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. - Add Fresh Spinach:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and shrink down. The spinach will soften and blend beautifully into the garlic butter mixture, creating a vibrant and healthy addition to the dish. - Combine the Tortellini:
Add the cooked cheese tortellini to the skillet with the beef and spinach. Gently toss the pasta in the mixture to coat it in the flavorful garlic butter sauce. If the mixture seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of the saved pasta water to bring everything together. Allow the dish to cook for another 2 minutes to heat through. - Serve and Garnish:
Serve the Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini hot, topped with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. For an added touch of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. This step not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds a burst of flavor.
Cooking Time and Serving Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per Serving: 480 kcal
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is a versatile recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick, satisfying meal. The rich garlic butter sauce, tender beef, and fresh spinach complement the cheese-filled tortellini perfectly. It’s a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs, making it both filling and delicious. You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, whether you prefer it spicier with crushed red pepper flakes or milder with just a hint of garlic.
Additionally, this recipe is kid-friendly and loved by adults alike! You can easily double the recipe to serve a larger group or save leftovers for a quick lunch the next day.
Recipe Variations and Tips:
- Swap the Beef: If you prefer a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in some mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini if you have dietary restrictions or prefer a gluten-free alternative.
- Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese to make it creamy.
Conclusion:
This Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is the perfect combination of savory, cheesy goodness and healthy, fresh ingredients. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a family favorite, and its robust flavors are sure to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this meal is a guaranteed hit every time!
Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with friends who love delicious comfort food – they’ll thank you for it! Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta