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Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
Introduction
Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is a hearty and satisfying dish that perfectly blends the richness of tender beef, the creamy decadence of cheese tortellini, the earthiness of spinach, and the irresistible aroma of garlic butter. It’s a quick, comfort-food meal that feels gourmet without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Tortellini, the star of this dish, hails from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, particularly Bologna and Modena. Traditionally stuffed with a mix of meats and cheeses, tortellini represent Italy’s love for handmade pasta and rich, homey meals. This modern adaptation with garlic butter beef and spinach adds an American-Italian comfort food twist, symbolizing the global fusion of classic Italian cuisine with hearty, easy-to-make family dinners.
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated) | 20 oz (about 570 g) |
| Ground beef (85%-90% lean) | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Baby spinach | 3 cups (about 90 g) |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup (50 g) |
| Heavy cream (optional for extra sauce) | ¼ cup (60 ml) |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
Optional Additions
- Mushrooms (sautéed)
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- A splash of white wine in the sauce
- Shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook tortellini: It cooks quickly — about 2-3 minutes after boiling water. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy.
- Use fresh garlic: For the best flavor, fresh minced garlic beats pre-chopped or powdered garlic.
- Drain spinach well: If your spinach releases a lot of water, drain it before adding to the final dish to avoid a watery sauce.
- Season in layers: Lightly season the beef while browning it, then adjust seasoning at the end.
- Reserve pasta water: Save a half-cup of the tortellini cooking water to thin the sauce if needed.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Push beef to the side of the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty side. Once melted, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add baby spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).
- Add cooked tortellini to the skillet. Toss everything together gently. If needed, add heavy cream and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and sprinkle red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and herbs if desired.
Description
This dish offers a creamy, buttery base enhanced by the robust flavors of seared beef, the freshness of wilted spinach, and the savory pillows of cheesy tortellini. The garlic butter ties it all together, creating a luscious, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite. It’s indulgent without feeling too heavy — perfect for a cozy dinner.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 650–750 kcal
- Protein: 35–40 g
- Fat: 35–40 g
- Carbohydrates: 45–50 g
- Fiber: 3–4 g
- Sugar: 2–3 g
- Sodium: 700–800 mg
(Note: Values may vary based on specific brands and additions.)
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is a celebration of hearty, everyday luxury. It’s approachable, crowd-pleasing, and satisfying — an ideal recipe for a weeknight meal that feels like a special treat.
Recommendation
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of light red wine (like Pinot Noir) to balance the richness. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While this meal is definitely on the indulgent side, it can fit into a balanced lifestyle by adjusting portion sizes, using lean beef, or swapping heavy cream for milk or a plant-based alternative. Adding more spinach or subbing in extra vegetables makes it even more nourishing without sacrificing any of that rich, comforting flavor.
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