Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the ultimate quick comfort meal. Rich, cheesy, and loaded with garlicky flavor, it’s perfect for those who want a cozy yet effortless dinner. The sausage brings the savory, the cream sauce brings the indulgence, and the tortellini ties it all together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, weeknight recipes, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s also one of those easy recipes that feel gourmet—ideal for lazy evenings or a casual dinner party.
Ingredients
10 ounces cheese tortellini
8 ounces Italian sausage (hot or mild, casings removed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups baby spinach
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and combine with the sauce.
6. While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions (usually 3–4 minutes). Drain.
7. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently fold into the sauce.
8. Sprinkle in mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
9. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
To lighten the dish, use turkey sausage and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
For a thinner sauce, reserve and add a bit of pasta water.
Don’t skip browning the sausage—it adds tons of flavor depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 930mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy tortellini, pasta with sausage, garlic butter sauce, spinach pasta