If you’re in the mood for an ultra-comforting, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in one skillet, this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach is about to become your new favorite. The rich garlic butter sauce hugs every bite of cheese-stuffed tortellini, while the golden-browned Italian sausage adds a satisfying savory depth. A handful of fresh spinach swirled in at the end makes this dish as colorful as it is indulgent.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something cozy and soul-satisfying, this skillet dinner balances creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness with hearty protein and a touch of green. It’s restaurant-style comfort food made effortlessly in your own kitchen.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this creamy tortellini dish shine, having the right tools on hand is key:

Large Nonstick Skillet or Sauté Pan: This ensures even cooking and provides enough space to layer the sausage, tortellini, and creamy sauce without overcrowding.
Slotted Spoon: Useful for removing sausage while leaving the flavorful drippings behind to infuse the sauce.
Garlic Press or Microplane: If you love deep garlic flavor, pressing or finely grating garlic helps it melt into the sauce for a bold punch.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the sauce gently without damaging your nonstick surface.
Colander: If you boil fresh tortellini separately, this helps with easy draining.

Having these tools on standby not only speeds things up but also ensures smooth cooking without clumping, burning, or uneven flavors.

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

Cheese Tortellini: The heart of this dish—soft, stuffed pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
Italian Sausage: Adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor and hearty texture. Choose mild or hot depending on your preference.
Fresh Spinach: Brightens the richness of the sauce and adds a pop of green. Wilts beautifully into the skillet.

Garlic Cloves: Essential for that aromatic, buttery garlic flavor that sets the tone for the whole dish.
Butter: Creates the base for the garlic butter sauce, adding silkiness and flavor depth.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce indulgently creamy without being too thick.

Parmesan Cheese: For extra cheesiness and that signature Italian saltiness.
Italian Seasoning: Ties all the flavors together with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, rounding out the flavors.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat your large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart into bite-sized pieces. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer sausage to a plate. Keep the drippings in the pan for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Lower the heat slightly and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the garlic butter. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Seasoning

Add the cheese tortellini directly into the cream sauce. If using uncooked tortellini, make sure they simmer until tender. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Fold in Spinach and Sausage

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and gently fold in fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

Top with freshly grated Parmesan and stir once more to melt the cheese into the sauce. Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes before serving.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

This dish is best served hot, straight out of the skillet. Garnish with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a finishing touch. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the pasta can become rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the Italian sausage you choose. Mild sausage keeps things family-friendly, while hot sausage adds a nice kick.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just cook the tortellini according to package directions before adding them to the sauce. Drain well to avoid watering down the cream.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, try canned coconut milk (unsweetened).

What protein can I use instead of sausage?

Ground beef, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken all work great. Just season well since you’ll miss some of the built-in spices from the sausage.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sausage and sauce a day in advance. Combine everything when you’re ready to eat to preserve the texture of the tortellini.

What can I use instead of spinach?

Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula can work as substitutes. Just keep in mind that tougher greens may need slightly more cooking time.

Want More Pasta Skillet Ideas?

If you love this creamy tortellini recipe, try these comforting and crowd-pleasing favorites next:

And for even more creamy comfort food inspiration, follow my recipe boards on Pinterest here: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a different green? Try it with spicy sausage? Add mushrooms?

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

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This one-skillet Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach is your next go-to comfort meal. It’s cheesy, rich, garlicky, and satisfying — all the goodness of a restaurant-style pasta dish made simply at home.

Instructions

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Remove using a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

2. Reduce the heat slightly. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to blend with the garlic butter. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.

4. Add the cheese tortellini into the sauce. Let it simmer gently until tender if uncooked, or stir in cooked tortellini if using pre-boiled.

5. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine evenly.

6. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the fresh spinach. Fold gently until the spinach wilts and everything is coated.

7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and fully incorporated. Let rest off the heat for 2 minutes, then serve hot.

Notes

To reheat leftovers, use a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Fresh spinach wilts quickly—add it at the very end for best texture and color.

Want to lighten it up? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened coconut milk.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Pasta

Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate

Calories: 780
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 860mg

Fat: 54g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Unsaturated Fat: 26g

Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 3g

Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: tortellini, sausage, creamy pasta, skillet dinner, garlic butter