This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a soul-warming pasta dish that turns weeknight dinner into an indulgent treat. Rich and savory, it combines seared Italian sausage, tender tortellini, fresh spinach, and a creamy garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite. It’s comfort food with a gourmet edge.

What makes this dish so memorable is how quickly it comes together without skimping on flavor. Perfect for busy evenings, special date nights, or when you simply crave something irresistibly creamy, this tortellini is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

Decadent Cream Sauce: The garlic butter cream sauce is rich and flavorful, coating every tortellini with savory goodness.
One-Skillet Wonder: Easy cleanup thanks to one-pan cooking.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish feels like it came out of your favorite Italian bistro.
Customizable: Swap the spinach for kale or the sausage for ground beef or mushrooms.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini seamless and mess-free, gather these essential tools:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Crucial for evenly cooking sausage and combining everything in one vessel.
Tongs or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and turning sausage bites without breaking the tortellini.
Garlic Press or Microplane: Ensures your garlic is finely minced for maximum flavor infusion.
Colander: For draining the tortellini without tearing the pasta.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters with cream and seasoning balance.

These basic tools make prep easy, cooking efficient, and cleanup minimal. This is truly a stress-free dinner that delivers maximum comfort.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

Cheese Tortellini: A soft, stuffed pasta that provides a creamy bite in every forkful.
Italian Sausage (mild or spicy): Brings depth, spice, and texture to the dish.
Fresh Garlic: The foundation of the buttery cream sauce—don’t skimp!
Butter: For a rich and silky sauce base.
Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its luscious body.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty sharpness and melts into the sauce beautifully.
Baby Spinach: Wilts perfectly into the creamy mixture and adds freshness.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the sausage for a golden crust.
Salt & Cracked Pepper: To balance and highlight every ingredient.
Chili Flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sausage pieces and brown them on all sides until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

In the same skillet, reduce heat and add butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Let it cook until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Boil the cheese tortellini in salted water until al dente. Drain and add them directly to the sauce.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Sausage

Toss the fresh spinach into the skillet and stir until wilted. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and mix everything gently.

Step 6: Simmer and Serve

Let everything simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot with extra grated parmesan on top.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

Serve this dish immediately while the sauce is hot and velvety. It pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

For leftovers, let the tortellini cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Avoid freezing, as the cream can separate upon thawing.