Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen works great—just cook 1-2 minutes longer than fresh. No need to thaw first. The texture holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce.

How do I make this dish less rich?

Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the butter by half. Extra spinach helps balance the richness too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep components separately, but combine just before serving. The sauce thickens as it sits—add a splash of milk when reheating.

What if I don't have Italian sausage?

Ground beef, turkey, or chicken work fine! Just season with fennel seeds, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to mimic Italian sausage flavor.

Why is my sauce grainy?

Pre-shredded Parmesan often causes this. Always grate fresh cheese—it melts smoothly into the cream for that perfect silky texture.

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini With Italian Sausage Spinach

Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini With Italian Sausage Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb beef tortellini; 1 lb Italian sausage; 2 cups fresh spinach; 4 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

A rich and flavorful dish combining creamy garlic butter sauce, beef tortellini, Italian sausage, and fresh spinach.

Ingredients

1 lb beef tortellini
1 lb Italian sausage
2 cups fresh spinach
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the beef tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens.
Add the cooked tortellini, Italian sausage, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well coated in the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute the beef tortellini with cheese tortellini if preferred.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Freshly grated Parmesan works best for the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian