This Garlic Butter Tortellini dish isn’t just dinner—it’s an indulgent, soul-warming experience. Each bite delivers tender cheese-stuffed tortellini coated in a garlic-kissed cream sauce that clings to the pasta and captures the richness of juicy beef and savory Italian sausage. Finished with vibrant spinach and melted cheese, it’s everything you want in a cozy, flavorful skillet meal.

Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend comfort, this recipe comes together fast without sacrificing depth. The flavors are bold and balanced, thanks to the harmony of spiced sausage, mellow garlic butter, and fresh greens. Whether you serve it to guests or just treat yourself, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this rich, creamy tortellini skillet meal doesn’t require fancy gadgets, but a few solid tools make all the difference:

Large Non-Stick Skillet or Sauté Pan: You need a pan with enough space to brown the meat and fold in the tortellini without overcrowding.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps you stir and scrape the bottom of the pan without damaging non-stick surfaces.
Colander: Essential for draining the tortellini perfectly after boiling.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For breaking up the sausage or slicing any additional garnishes like herbs.
Tongs: Great for tossing everything together evenly once the sauce thickens and the cheese melts.

These basics ensure your ingredients cook evenly and come together into a creamy, well-blended dish with minimal fuss.

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

Cheese Tortellini: These tender pasta pockets bring a creamy, cheesy bite and soak up the garlic butter sauce like a dream.
Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and richness, balancing out the creamy elements.
Italian Sausage: Brings a burst of spice and depth that gives the dish a savory kick.

Fresh Spinach: Offers a pop of color and a nutritious element that cuts through the richness.
Garlic Cloves: Key to building a deep, aromatic base.
Butter: Forms the foundation of the sauce, enhancing flavor and mouthfeel.

Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture of the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding salty nuttiness and body.
Mozzarella (optional but recommended): For that gooey, melty finish on top.

Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning each component just right.

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

Step 1: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Break up the meat as it browns. Cook until fully done and lightly crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of the fat in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, and stir gently to combine with the garlic butter. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

While the sauce simmers, boil the cheese tortellini in salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Fold Everything Together

Add the cooked tortellini and spinach into the cream sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts, then return the meat mixture to the skillet. Stir everything together, letting the sauce coat all ingredients.

Step 6: Add Cheese & Finish

Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella on top. Let everything melt together over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Serving & Storing Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach

This dish is best served hot straight from the skillet, where the sauce is silky and the cheese is perfectly melty. Garnish with a bit of extra Parmesan or freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. A side of crusty garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad will complement the richness beautifully.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may dry out the pasta or overcook the spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick when reheating?

Add a splash of milk, cream, or even chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Reheat slowly over low heat to maintain creaminess.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely. Just cook them according to the package directions and drain well before adding to the skillet.

What if I don’t have Italian sausage?

You can use all ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Add Italian seasoning to mimic the sausage flavor.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but for best melt and texture, fresh-grated Parmesan and mozzarella are preferred.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the meats and sauce ahead. Combine everything just before serving to avoid mushy tortellini.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Italian sausage adds mild heat. Use sweet sausage if you prefer it completely mild, or add red pepper flakes for extra kick.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Hearty Twist?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce, you’ll definitely want to check out these other comfort-packed pasta creations from Life With Olivia:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a rich, cheesy baked dinner.
Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce when you want beefy comfort with creamy elegance.

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a family-favorite flavor combo.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini for creamy garlic goodness with tender chicken.
Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta if you like a little kick in your skillet.

Save This Recipe for Later

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And don’t forget to share how yours turned out! Did you use spinach or sub in kale? Add extra garlic? I’d love to hear your spin. Questions are welcome, too—let’s cook better together.

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

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Butter Tortellini in Creamy Sauce with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach is the ultimate comfort skillet. Packed with rich cream, seasoned meats, tender cheese tortellini, and spinach, it’s a hearty weeknight dinner or cozy weekend indulgence.

Instructions

1. Brown the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks

. Once browned and fully cooked, remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic in Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Make the Cream Sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Cook the Tortellini: Meanwhile, boil the cheese tortellini in salted water according to package directions.

Drain well. Combine and Fold: Add cooked tortellini and fresh spinach to the cream sauce.
Stir until spinach wilts.
Return the cooked meat to the skillet and stir to coat everything evenly.