Rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the ultimate comfort dish for any pasta lover. Each tender tortellini is coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, mingling perfectly with the juicy beef and savory Italian sausage. The addition of fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a nutritious touch, making this dish as wholesome as it is indulgent.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave something hearty yet easy to prepare. The combination of cheese-filled tortellini and a creamy sauce delivers that satisfying, “restaurant-quality” taste right from your own kitchen.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh cheese tortellini works best here for a rich and creamy bite that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter sauce. However, you can also use refrigerated or frozen varieties—just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions to keep them al dente.

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

Cheese Tortellini – Brings a rich, cheesy base to the dish.
Ground Beef – Adds hearty, meaty flavor.
Italian Sausage – Infuses the dish with a bold, herby spice.
Fresh Spinach – Provides freshness and a nutrient boost.
Butter – Creates the rich base for the creamy garlic sauce.
Garlic – The aromatic star of the sauce.
Heavy Cream – Gives the sauce its silky, luscious texture.
Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce for a savory, nutty finish.
Olive Oil – Helps sear the meat to perfection.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to enhance every bite.

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

Step 1: Sear the Meats

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the meats aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, letting it simmer for 3–4 minutes. Add grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

While the sauce simmers, cook the cheese tortellini in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked beef and sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained tortellini and gently toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the creamy, savory perfection!

Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove while the sauce is hot and silky. Pair it with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing match to the creamy richness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may dry out the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions, ensuring they stay tender but not mushy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the meat and sauce ahead, then store them separately from the tortellini. Combine and reheat just before serving to keep the pasta fresh.

What’s the best way to make it lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, and use turkey sausage or lean ground beef.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers would be delicious additions.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Reserve a bit of pasta water and add it in small amounts while mixing everything together to loosen the sauce if needed.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach, you might enjoy these other comforting pasta recipes from my collection:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli – A creamy, veggie-packed twist.
Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta – A hearty beef and pasta classic.
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce – Comfort food at its finest.
One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac – A bold, flavor-packed pasta.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta – Creamy, cheesy, and irresistible.

For even more inspiration, check out my daily recipes on Pinterest – Life with Nina.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s always at your fingertips.

When you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add extra veggies? Maybe switch up the sausage for a spicy kick? Share your creations in the comments so we can all get inspired by each other’s kitchen adventures.

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Pasta Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach is rich, hearty, and full of flavor. Tender cheese tortellini is coated in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, paired with juicy beef, savory sausage, and fresh spinach for a comforting pasta dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the meats aside.

2. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, letting it simmer for 3–4 minutes. Add grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

4. While the sauce simmers, cook the cheese tortellini in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

5. Return the cooked beef and sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained tortellini and gently toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.

6. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.