Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

$- 12 oz beef tortellini - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper - Large pot - Skillet - Colander The main ingredients for garlic butter beef tortellini create a rich and tasty dish. You need beef tortellini, which can be homemade or store-bought. Unsalted butter adds a creamy base for flavor. Fresh garlic cloves give a strong, savory taste. Dried Italian herbs bring warmth and depth. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. Fresh spinach not only adds nutrients but also brightens the dish. Finally, Parmesan cheese and basil elevate the meal with their distinctive flavors. Optional ingredients include red pepper flakes for heat and salt and pepper for seasoning. If you want more spice, add the red pepper flakes. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Using the right equipment makes cooking easy. A large pot helps you boil water and cook the tortellini. A skillet is great for melting butter and sautéing garlic. A colander lets you drain the pasta easily. With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to make a quick, tasty meal that impresses! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 12 oz of beef tortellini to the pot. - Cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes. - Drain the tortellini in a colander, but save about a cup of the pasta water. - In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. - Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. - Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but do not burn the garlic. - Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. - Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. - Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. - Now, add the cooked tortellini and 2 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet. - Gently mix everything together. - If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the right consistency. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the spinach wilts and everything is hot. To make this dish shine, start with the right tortellini. I love using beef tortellini for its rich flavor. You can find it in most stores, or you can make your own. Homemade tortellini gives you control over the filling. If you go this route, remember to keep it simple and delicious. For cooking, boiling the tortellini just right is key. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook until al dente. This often takes 3-5 minutes, depending on the brand. Drain them well but save a cup of that pasta water. It helps to create the sauce later. To boost the flavor, think about adding more herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the dish. You can also use extra garlic if you love that taste. A pinch of salt and pepper is a must to balance out the rich butter. If you want a kick, consider red pepper flakes. Just a half teaspoon can add heat. Mix and match your favorite herbs to create a unique blend. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for you. When serving this dish, think about sides. A light salad pairs well with the rich tortellini. You could try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. It adds a fresh contrast to the meal. For garnishes, grated Parmesan cheese brings a nice touch. A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds color and flavor. Serve everything hot for the best experience. Your guests will love the beautiful presentation. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor of the dish, making it taste vibrant and delicious. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini just until al dente; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance; you can also omit it for a milder dish. Save Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water can be a great addition to thicken the sauce and help it adhere to the tortellini. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try chicken or sausage instead of beef. Ground turkey works well too. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or a mix of your favorite veggies. Adding vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. You might add bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. These choices add nice colors and textures to your meal. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free tortellini. Many brands now offer these. You can also make your own with gluten-free flour. For vegan modifications, use plant-based tortellini. Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy taste. Want a creamier sauce? Add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream while mixing. This will make the dish rich and smooth. Different cheeses can also change the flavor. Try adding ricotta or mozzarella for creaminess. Feta or goat cheese can add a tangy twist. Experiment with what you love! To store leftovers in the refrigerator, let the dish cool first. Transfer the garlic butter beef tortellini into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep out air and moisture. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just take it out and reheat. For long-term storage, freezing works well. Place the cooled tortellini in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat without losing texture, the best method is to use the stovetop. Place the tortellini in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Heat it slowly over medium heat, stirring gently. This method keeps the pasta from drying out. You can also use the microwave, but add a little water and cover it to keep moisture in. I recommend using beef tortellini for this dish. It adds great flavor and texture. You can find it fresh or frozen at most grocery stores. If you prefer a different filling, cheese tortellini works well too. The key is to choose a tortellini that you enjoy. Yes, you can make garlic butter beef tortellini ahead of time. Cook the dish, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove. You might need to add a splash of water to help with the sauce. To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chili peppers for a bolder kick. If you like heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce when serving. Just remember to taste as you go to find the right level of spice for you. Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works great in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package instructions. It will taste just as good as fresh. This option is perfect for quick meals when you're short on time. I suggest serving a simple salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread pairs nicely too, adding a crunchy texture. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans also complement the dish. Choose sides that balance the rich flavors of the tortellini. This recipe for garlic butter beef tortellini offers tasty steps and easy ingredients. You learned how to cook tortellini, sauté aromatics, and mix in fresh veggies. I also shared tips for perfect flavor and ways to customize your dish. Remember, you can make it your own with different proteins or vegetables. Enjoy your delicious meal and make sure to store leftovers properly. Cooking can be fun and simple with the right guidance. Create your own tasty moments with this dish!$

Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

A delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring beef tortellini tossed in a garlic butter sauce with fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz beef tortellini
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the beef tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if using.
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the cooked tortellini and fresh spinach to the skillet. Gently toss everything together and add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep tossing until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.

Keyword garlic butter, pasta, quick meal, tortellini