Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini: The Ultimate Pasta Dinner 🍝🧄🥩🌿
1. Introduction
Welcome to our delicious world of pasta dinner perfection with our Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini recipe. Combining tender strips of beef, luscious spinach tortellini, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is the ideal comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a sophisticated meal, this recipe ensures a flavorful and satisfying experience. Discover how simple ingredients can come together to create a sensational garlic butter beef pasta that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients List
- 1 pound (450g) spinach tortellini
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, sliced into strips
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
3. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
3.1. Prepare the Tortellini
Begin by cooking the spinach tortellini in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
3.2. Sear the Beef
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced beef with salt and black pepper. Add to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3.3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. If you like spicy notes, sprinkle in red pepper flakes at this stage.
3.4. Combine and Finish
Add the cooked beef back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Then, add the drained tortellini, tossing everything together. If the mixture appears dry, stir in some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and tossing gently to combine.
4. Serving Suggestions and Presentation
Serve the garlic butter beef and spinach tortellini hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. This pasta dinner pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. For a more complete meal, consider a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, to heighten the flavors of the garlic butter beef and spinach tortellini. Explore similar recipes like marry me chicken pasta for other delightful dinner ideas.
5. Storage Tips for Leftover Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a microwave or gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. For best results, consume within 48 hours for optimal freshness of your pasta dinner leftovers.
6. Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
- Choose high-quality beef for tender, flavorful bites.
- Cook the tortellini just until al dente to prevent over-softening.
- Adjust the garlic and red pepper flakes according to your spice preferences.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream during the final step.
7. Variations and Customizations
Try adding different vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Swap out Parmesan for other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago to vary the cheesy component. For a lighter version, substitute the butter with olive oil and reduce the cheese quantity. Additionally, you might explore more pasta varieties or incorporate herbs like thyme or oregano for unique flavor twists.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this pasta dinner?
Yes, you can. Simply thaw the frozen spinach, drain excess water, and chop before adding to the skillet. It integrates well into the garlic butter sauce and enhances the flavor of the dish.
Q2: What is the best type of beef to use for this recipe?
For tender and flavorful results, opt for beef sirloin or tenderloin sliced into thin strips. These cuts cook quickly and maintain their tenderness, making them perfect for this pasta dinner.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and combine them just before serving. Keep cooked beef, tortellini, and garlic butter sauce separate until ready to serve. Reheat gently to retain the flavors and textures.
9. Conclusion
Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with our garlic butter beef and spinach tortellini pasta dinner. Its rich garlic butter sauce, tender beef, and fresh spinach tortellini make for an indulgent yet quick meal that appeals to all pasta lovers. This pasta dinner is both easy to make and customizable for various tastes. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe guarantees a satisfying meal that combines simplicity with culinary excellence. Give it a try today and enjoy a truly delightful garlic butter beef dish that stands out in your recipe collection! For more helpful kitchen tools, check out the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker for beverages or the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master to prep ingredients easily.
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Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
Discover the delicious and satisfying Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini, a perfect pasta dinner combining tender beef, luscious spinach tortellini, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Ideal for quick weeknight meals or impressing guests, this recipe offers unbeatable flavor with easy-to-follow steps. Enjoy the ultimate comforting pasta dish that balances hearty beef with vibrant greens in a creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) spinach tortellini
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, sliced into strips
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Cook the spinach tortellini in boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef strips with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Return beef to the skillet with garlic butter. Toss in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Add drained tortellini to the skillet, tossing to combine. If mixture is dry, stir in reserved pasta water to loosen sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss gently. Serve hot garnished with additional Parmesan and herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality beef like sirloin or tenderloin for best flavor and tenderness.
- Cook tortellini just until al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust garlic and red pepper flakes to suit your spice preferences.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream in the final step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg