If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach checks all the boxes. Rich, savory, and laced with a garlicky cream sauce that hugs every bite, it’s a hearty dish that’s hard to resist. Imagine tender tortellini filled with beef, nestled in a velvety sauce infused with garlic butter and tossed with crumbled Italian sausage and wilted spinach.

This dish is weeknight comfort food that delivers big flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. It brings together bold Italian flair with creamy indulgence, making it equally perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing dinner guests. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

This recipe is all about comfort and convenience. It takes store-bought tortellini and turns it into something utterly irresistible with just a few flavorful additions. The garlic butter sauce adds richness without overwhelming, and the sausage brings a smoky, savory depth that keeps things interesting. Plus, the spinach gives you a pop of freshness and makes the whole thing feel just a little bit healthier. It’s fast, it’s satisfying, and it’s guaranteed to be a repeat in your meal rotation.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

For this recipe, go with fresh or refrigerated beef tortellini if possible. They cook quickly and have a nice texture that holds up well in the creamy sauce. If you only have frozen tortellini, that’s totally fine—just cook them according to the package directions first and make sure to drain them well. You want them tender but not falling apart, so they soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce without turning mushy.

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

To make this deliciously comforting dish, you only need a handful of ingredients, and each one plays a big role in building bold, savory flavor. The creamy garlic butter sauce is the heart of the recipe, while the sausage and spinach add a balanced mix of richness and freshness. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

Beef tortellini
Italian sausage
Fresh spinach
Garlic cloves
Butter
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach 2

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

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the beef tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, then transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, which should take just a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the sausage to the skillet and add the cooked tortellini. Gently toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Serve warm, optionally topped with extra Parmesan and a little cracked black pepper. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent dish!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes can go sideways if you’re not careful. For the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach, one of the biggest things to watch out for is overcooking the tortellini. You want them tender but still with a slight bite. If they go too soft, they’ll fall apart when mixed into the sauce.

Another common mistake is burning the garlic. Garlic cooks fast, and once it turns brown, it turns bitter. Keep the heat low and stir constantly during that step. Also, don’t skip draining excess fat from the sausage before adding it back in, or the sauce can turn greasy.

And finally, make sure your cream doesn’t boil. A gentle simmer is all you need for it to thicken. Boiling cream can cause it to separate or curdle, which can ruin that beautifully smooth sauce.

Serving and Storing This Dish

This recipe makes a filling meal that easily feeds 4 people, especially if served with bread or a side salad. It’s best served hot and fresh, but leftovers can absolutely be saved. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, do it gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but stir every 30 seconds to keep the sauce from separating.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

Garlic Bread

A classic pairing. The crusty exterior and soft, buttery interior of garlic bread are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crunch of romaine and that tangy Caesar dressing cut beautifully through the richness of the dish.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasting brings out a slightly sweet, charred flavor that complements the savory tortellini.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a light and refreshing note to your meal.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy, these roasted carrots offer a nice contrast in flavor.

Italian Antipasto Platter

Serve this as a starter or on the side—olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats round out the Italian vibes.

Sauteed Zucchini

Lightly sauteed zucchini with a bit of garlic and lemon zest balances the creaminess with a mild, earthy flavor.

Wine Pairing

A glass of Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti pairs beautifully with this meal.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach, here are some other cozy, comforting pasta dishes to keep your meal rotation exciting:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta when you’re craving bold tomato and cream fusion.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a sun-dried tomato twist.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a seafood version packed with creamy flavor.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts when you want to stick with chicken but keep the garlic butter vibes.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a slow-cooked creamy classic.

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 frozen tortellini or fresh? Did you toss in mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor?

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

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach is that magic combination of simple ingredients turning into something unforgettable. It’s rich and filling, but thanks to the spinach and fresh pasta, it never feels heavy. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or for a relaxed weekend dinner, it delivers comfort in every bite. Give it a try, and it just might become your new favorite.