Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

When you need a cozy dinner that tastes like it simmered for hours—but only takes minutes—this Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini delivers in every way. Juicy ground beef, tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, and fresh spinach come together in a garlicky butter sauce that’s luxurious, flavorful, and family-approved.

This skillet pasta is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is made with simple pantry and freezer staples. No fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques—just bold flavor and hearty texture in a single pan. Whether you’re cooking for a busy household or just craving something soul-warming, this dish is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Simplicity: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup.

• Bold, Buttery Flavor: Garlic and butter coat every bite for richness and comfort.

• Cheesy Tortellini: Store-bought tortellini makes this fast and satisfying.

• Balanced Meal: Includes protein, carbs, and veggies in one dish.

• Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy nights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Sauce & Add-ins:

• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 package (18 oz or 500g) refrigerated cheese tortellini

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, lemon zest for garnish

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Ground Beef: Can be substituted with ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles.

• Tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated tortellini works best; frozen can also be used (adjust cook time).

• Spinach: Swap for kale, arugula, or broccoli florets.

• Parmesan: Adds depth and umami—don’t skip unless dairy-free.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Step 1: Brown the Beef

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.

• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon—about 6–7 minutes.

• Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).

• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Broth and Tortellini

• Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle boil.

• Stir in the tortellini and reduce heat to medium-low.

• Cover and simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.

Tip: If the sauce reduces too much before the tortellini cooks, add a splash of extra broth or water.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Parmesan

• Once tortellini is tender, stir in chopped spinach and Parmesan.

• Cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

• Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.

• Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

1. Use Refrigerated Tortellini for Best Texture
It cooks quickly and stays tender without getting mushy.

2. Build Flavor in Layers
Browning the beef well and sautéing the garlic in butter adds richness and complexity.

3. Add Greens at the End
Spinach cooks fast—adding it last keeps its color and texture vibrant.

4. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini
Just 4–5 minutes is enough. Overcooking can cause them to fall apart in the sauce.

5. Garnish Smart
A touch of lemon zest, parsley, or chili flakes cuts the richness and brightens the dish.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Tortellini

This dish is hearty on its own, but pairs beautifully with simple sides:

• Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks

• Crisp Green Salad with balsamic vinaigrette

• Steamed or Roasted Veggies like broccoli or asparagus

• Roasted Cherry Tomatoes for sweetness and color

For drinks, try a dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) or a citrusy sparkling water.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead

• Brown the beef and store separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• You can also chop garlic and spinach in advance.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

• Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing

• This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in portions.

• Reheat from frozen in a covered pan with added liquid for moisture.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, Approximate – Based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 540

• Protein: 32g

• Carbs: 38g

• Fat: 28g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 710mg

This meal is high in protein, rich in flavor, and balanced for an energizing, satisfying dinner.

Make It Your Own

Add Creaminess

• Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer, more indulgent sauce.

Boost the Veggies

• Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

Make It Spicy

• Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Make It Vegetarian

• Swap ground beef for mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use veggie broth.

Reader Reviews

“Made this on a weeknight and my kids devoured it. So creamy, garlicky, and easy—what more can you want?”
— Jenna L.

“Used spinach and arugula and added mushrooms—total flavor bomb. I’m putting this in my weekly rotation.”
— Marcus K.

“Fast, hearty, and tastes like comfort food in a bowl. Even better as leftovers!”
— Anita S.

More Cozy One-Pan Dinners to Try

If you loved this, here are a few more one-skillet favorites:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Cheesy Sausage Tortellini Skillet

• Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach and Rice

• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo

These meals bring all the flavor, without all the cleanup.

A Weeknight Favorite You’ll Come Back To

This Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini isn’t just easy—it’s unforgettable. It brings together pantry staples and bold flavors in a way that feels comforting, satisfying, and just a little indulgent. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave on cold evenings, long days, or anytime you just need a dinner that hits the spot.

A Weeknight Hero Dish

When you’re low on time but craving something warm, flavorful, and filling, this tortellini skillet becomes your go-to weeknight savior. Everything comes together in a single pan with minimal prep, no chopping overload, and very little cleanup—just rich, garlicky goodness in under 30 minutes. It’s proof that dinner can be both quick and deeply satisfying.

Great for Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. Store leftovers in individual portions for easy lunches or pack it in a thermos for a hot, comforting meal on the go. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to revive that creamy, garlicky sauce.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

Even picky eaters can’t resist cheesy pasta and buttery beef. The flavor is familiar and comforting, while the spinach adds a touch of green without overwhelming the dish. It’s a great way to sneak in vegetables for kids, and it’s always a hit at casual gatherings or family-style dinners.

Turn It Into a Casserole

Want a heartier version or prepping ahead for guests? Try this twist:

• Transfer the finished dish to a baking dish.

• Sprinkle with extra mozzarella or Parmesan.

• Broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  Now it’s comfort food meets baked pasta night—perfect for potlucks or dinner parties.

Pair It With This for the Full Experience

For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, serve this dish with:

• A crisp Caesar salad

• Warm rosemary focaccia or garlic knots

• A glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

• Tiramisu or panna cotta for dessert

It’s restaurant-quality without the price tag—or the hassle.

Print