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Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini
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Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini is a quick and comforting pasta dish that combines tender ground beef, soft cheese tortellini, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh greens, this flavorful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, offering a delicious and satisfying Italian-inspired meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or mixed fresh herbs (such as basil, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula for even texture.
  2. Cook the Tortellini: While the beef cooks, bring salted water to a boil in a pot. Add cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the tortellini, reserving a small cup of pasta water, then set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet used for the beef. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to build the sauce’s flavor base.
  4. Combine Everything: Return the cooked tortellini and beef to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Greens: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach or herbs. The residual heat will wilt the greens and melt the cheese, perfectly tying the dish together.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor.
  • Do not overcook tortellini; al dente texture offers the perfect bite.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and maintain a silky texture.
  • Brown the beef well to develop richer flavor through caramelization.
  • Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to boost creaminess and flavor complexity.
  • Optional garnishes include chopped fresh parsley or basil, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or crushed red pepper flakes for added brightness and depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter beef tortellini, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, Italian comfort food, garlic butter sauce, beef tortellini

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/garlic-butter-beef-tortellini/