Name: Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 9 oz cheese tortellini; 1/2 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb Italian sausage; 2 cups fresh spinach; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

Creamy, savory, and packed with comforting flavors—this garlic butter tortellini dish is the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug on a busy night. With rich Italian sausage, tender ground beef, and pillowy cheese-filled tortellini all coated in a silky garlic cream sauce, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day. Fresh spinach adds a pop of green and a nutritious boost, while melted mozzarella over the top gives that irresistible gooey finish.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this one-pan pasta will win hearts and clean plates. The best part? It’s beginner-friendly, requires minimal prep, and can be easily customized to your taste. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a standout.

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

Bold & Balanced Flavors: Savory meat, garlicky cream sauce, and cheese-stuffed tortellini strike the perfect balance.
Quick Comfort Food: Takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for weeknights.
One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, less fuss, more flavor.
Customizable: Sub in ground turkey, kale, or even a splash of white wine for variation.
Freezer-Friendly: Makes delicious leftovers or a make-ahead dinner for busy nights.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To keep this dish as easy as it is delicious, here are the tools you’ll want nearby:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for browning meats and building the sauce in one pan.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps to stir meats and scrape up flavor-packed browned bits.
Garlic Press (optional): Speeds up fresh garlic prep for that punchy aromatic base.
Colander: Useful for draining excess grease if your sausage or beef is extra fatty.
Measuring Cups: To get the right balance of cream, broth, and cheese.

Each tool helps streamline the cooking process, making prep efficient and cleanup simple. Now that you’re equipped, it’s time to get cooking!

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

Cheese Tortellini: These pillowy pasta pockets provide a soft, creamy bite that pairs beautifully with the hearty sauce.
Ground Beef: Adds a savory richness and meaty texture that grounds the dish.
Italian Sausage: Infuses bold, herby flavors and a touch of heat.
Fresh Spinach: Brings freshness and color, while balancing the richness of the cream and meat.
Garlic: The flavor cornerstone of the sauce—pungent, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Butter: Adds a smooth base for sautéing and flavor depth.
Heavy Cream: Forms the silky, rich base of the sauce.
Parmesan & Mozzarella Cheese: For melty, nutty, gooey goodness.
Italian Seasoning: Rounds out the flavor with herbs like oregano and basil.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add the Garlic Butter Base

Push the cooked meat to one side of the skillet. Add butter and minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir it all together with the meat.

Step 3: Stir in the Cream & Seasonings

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let simmer for a couple of minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 4: Add Tortellini & Simmer

Add the cheese tortellini directly to the skillet. If using fresh or refrigerated tortellini, no pre-boiling is needed. Stir gently to coat and simmer on low until the tortellini is tender.

Step 5: Fold in Spinach & Cheese

Toss in fresh spinach and stir until just wilted. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top and cover with a lid for 2-3 minutes until melted.

Step 6: Serve Hot & Enjoy

Dish it up while it’s warm and melty. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Tortellini

Serving: This creamy tortellini is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s also fantastic with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. For a dinner party, plate it up in wide pasta bowls and finish with a crack of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

Storing: Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: You can freeze this dish before adding the spinach and cheeses. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight, then finish with fresh spinach and cheese just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely. Just boil it first according to package instructions, then fold it into the sauce.

What can I use instead of Italian sausage?

Ground turkey or chorizo are flavorful swaps. You can also go fully vegetarian with mushrooms or lentils.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Substitute with gluten-free tortellini and check your sausage ingredients for hidden gluten.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Make the entire dish, refrigerate, then reheat with a splash of cream or broth before serving.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Use half-and-half or even cream cheese thinned with a bit of milk for a similar result.

Will kids enjoy this recipe?

Definitely! The creamy sauce, cheesy pasta, and mild flavors are usually a hit with kids.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this garlic butter tortellini, here are a few more satisfying favorites you should check out:

Cheesesteak Tortellini Bliss for that hearty Philly-inspired twist.
Creamy One Pan Marry Me Tortellini if you’re craving silky tomato cream sauce.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni for more bold beefy flavor.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce if you love creamy pasta loaded with protein.
Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta for a fun variation with bowties and stretchy cheese pulls.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in a different protein? Add extra spice? Maybe a handful of sun-dried tomatoes?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.