Rich, savory, and brimming with comfort, this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the kind of hearty pasta dish that feels like a warm hug. The silky cream sauce clings to every fold of the tortellini, while the browned Italian sausage adds a savory depth and the spinach brings just the right touch of freshness.

Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this one-pan meal is a showstopper. It delivers big flavor with minimal effort, and the combination of creamy cheese-stuffed pasta and bold sausage is simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

If you’re a fan of meals that feel indulgent yet easy, this one checks all the boxes. It cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze, and you don’t need a long list of ingredients. The creamy garlic butter sauce feels restaurant-worthy but is made with everyday pantry items. Plus, the balance of savory beef, garlicky goodness, and leafy greens makes this dish as comforting as it is satisfying.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini is the best choice for this dish. It holds up well in the creamy sauce and cooks quickly, making it ideal for fast dinners. If you’re using frozen tortellini, just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Want to get fancy? Swap in a mushroom or spinach-stuffed variety to change things up.

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

This dish comes together with simple ingredients that blend into rich, comforting flavors. Each component plays an important role in the final taste, so don’t skip on the quality of ingredients when possible.

Cheese tortellini
Italian sausage
Butter
Garlic
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Spinach
Salt & pepper
Olive oil

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Stir frequently until fragrant and slightly golden, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Pour in the Cream

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

Toss in the cheese tortellini directly into the sauce. Cover and let it cook until the pasta is tender and plump.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Cheese

Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Give everything a good mix and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This dish is rich and filling, making it ideal as a standalone meal. Serve it piping hot, straight from the skillet to the table, and pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a little extra indulgence. It comfortably feeds 4 to 5 people, perfect for family dinners or a small gathering.

To store, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the luscious texture. It also freezes well for up to a month, although the texture of the tortellini may soften slightly after thawing.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect vehicle to soak up that luscious cream sauce.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine and a tangy dressing brings a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli adds a nutty flavor and healthy crunch.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a stick brighten the plate and add a touch of freshness.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy carrots provide a subtle sweetness to balance the savory tortellini.

Bruschetta

A fresh tomato and basil bruschetta brings texture and brightness.

Creamy Polenta

For an extra cozy side, serve with a scoop of creamy polenta to soak up any extra sauce.

Grilled Asparagus

Simple grilled asparagus adds earthy tones that complement the rich dish.

Want More Pasta Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach, then you’ll love diving into more cozy, flavorful pasta meals from the site:

Try this ultra-comforting Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a bold Tex-Mex twist on your pasta night.
The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli is another weeknight favorite packed with creamy goodness.
For a simple and tasty dinner option, check out the Cajun Potato Soup for a hearty and spicy change of pace.
Need a cozy classic? The Cheesy Baked Ziti is bubbling with melted cheese and nostalgic flavor.
Don’t miss the Creamy Cajun Linguine for a saucy Southern-style pasta you can whip up fast.

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 go extra garlicky or maybe added mushrooms? Did you skip the sausage or toss in some chili flakes for heat?

I love hearing your twists and spins on these comforting recipes. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, either—we’re all learning from each other here.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and more dinner ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to pasta favorites.

Conclusion

Creamy, cozy, and layered with flavor, this garlic butter tortellini dish with Italian sausage and spinach is everything comfort food should be. With minimal prep and major payoff, it’s a recipe worth keeping in rotation. Make it once, and it’ll be a weeknight staple in no time.

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

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