Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
A delightful dish featuring tender cheese tortellini in a rich garlic butter sauce, combined with savory ground beef and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini Soft and pillowy, it provides a delightful base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Adds a hint of flavor and helps cook the beef.
- 1 pound ground beef Juicy and rich, bringing heartiness to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and essential for the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter Adds a richness to the sautéed ingredients.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped Vibrant and nutritious, giving a healthy twist.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional for those who enjoy a little heat.
- 4 tablespoons butter (for the sauce) Infuses the dish with a creamy, buttery essence.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Creates a luscious, velvety sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Nutty and savory, thickening the sauce beautifully.
Instructions
Cooking the Tortellini
- Begin by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them until they float to the surface. Drain once cooked, but be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later use.
Cooking the Beef
- While the tortellini is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Season it well with salt and pepper; cook until it’s browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Once the beef is cooked through, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
Adding Spinach
- Add the butter and chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook until the spinach wilts down, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a separate pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Carefully add the heavy cream, stirring frequently and bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining Ingredients
- Reintroduce the cooked tortellini into the skillet with the beef and spinach mixture. Toss everything together gently to combine.
- Pour the creamy garlic butter sauce over the pasta and toss again to coat every piece evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve the dish hot.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Italian herbs when cooking the beef. If you want a touch more complexity, sauté some chopped onions before adding the ground beef.