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To make Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini, you need the following ingredients: - 12 oz beef tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach leaves, packed - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Having the right ingredients is key to a great dish. Start with fresh beef tortellini for the best taste. If you can’t find fresh, frozen works just fine. Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor without added salt. Garlic adds depth, while red pepper flakes bring a little heat. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Spinach gives a healthy boost and brightens the dish. Seasoning with salt and pepper allows you to tailor the flavor to your liking. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds creaminess and umami. Fresh basil leaves not only look nice but add a fresh aroma. Gather all these ingredients before starting. It makes cooking easier and more fun. You can even prep some items in advance, like chopping garlic and halving tomatoes. This dish is simple, but using fresh, quality ingredients makes it shine. {{ingredient_image_1}} How to boil beef tortellini First, fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the beef tortellini. Cook them according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini. If using frozen, it may take a few extra minutes. Test one tortellini to see if it is tender. Timing your cooking Timing is key. Start boiling the water while you gather your ingredients. Once the water boils, add the tortellini. This way, everything stays hot and fresh. While the tortellini cooks, you can prepare your garlic butter sauce. Melting the butter In a large skillet, add four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Heat the skillet on medium heat. Wait for the butter to melt completely. You will see it bubbling. This means it’s ready for the next step. Sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes Add four minced garlic cloves and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the melted butter. Stir the mixture gently for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned. A light golden color is perfect. Incorporating tomatoes and spinach Next, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir them in for 3-4 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften slightly. After that, add one cup of packed spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about one minute. Mixing everything together Now, it’s time to combine everything. Drain the tortellini and add it to the skillet. Gently toss the tortellini with the garlic butter sauce and veggies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Stir gently one last time to mix everything. Your dish is now ready to serve! To make the best garlic butter beef tortellini, you need to adjust spice levels. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. If not, use less or skip them. Taste as you cook. That way, you find the right balance. The texture of the tortellini is key. You want it al dente, which means firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Check it a minute or two before the time is up. This way, you avoid overcooking. Not a fan of beef tortellini? No problem! You can use cheese or vegetable tortellini instead. These options still work well with the garlic butter sauce. If you want to change up your greens or tomatoes, try kale or arugula. They add a unique taste. For tomatoes, use diced or canned ones if fresh is not available. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for softer tomatoes. For sides, a simple green salad or garlic bread pairs well with this dish. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine for added flavor. When plating, keep it simple yet elegant. Use a large bowl and add a swirl of tortellini in the center. Top it with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This not only looks great but also makes the dish more inviting. Pro Tips Perfect Tortellini Texture: Ensure you cook the tortellini until al dente for the best texture. This prevents them from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Garlic Sautéing: Be careful not to overcook the garlic; it should be fragrant but not browned to avoid a bitter taste in the dish. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes enhances the flavor and overall presentation of the dish. Cheese Variation: Try different types of cheese like Pecorino Romano or a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist on the classic dish. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping beef tortellini for vegetable tortellini. This change keeps the dish lively and tasty. You will still enjoy the rich garlic butter flavor paired with fresh veggies. The cherry tomatoes and spinach provide great texture and color. For a vegan version, simply use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives. There are many good brands of vegan butter and cheese. They melt well and add creaminess. Make sure to check labels for hidden dairy. This adaptation allows everyone to enjoy the dish without animal products. If you want more protein, add chicken, shrimp, or sausage. Cook the protein separately and then mix it in with the tortellini. Chicken breast works well when grilled or sautéed. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a seafood twist. Sausage can bring bold flavors to the dish. Choose your favorite to customize your meal! To keep your garlic butter beef tortellini fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the tortellini. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to 3 months. Just remember to label it with the date. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating correctly is key. Here are the best methods: - Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through. - Microwave: Place the tortellini in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little water to keep it moist. Cover with a lid or a microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. These methods help maintain the flavor and texture of your delicious meal. Enjoy every bite again! Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just follow these tips: - Cooking Time: Frozen tortellini needs a bit more time than fresh. Boil it for about 2-3 minutes longer. - Boiling Water: Make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the frozen tortellini. - Stirring: Stir gently to prevent sticking. This helps them cook evenly. Using frozen tortellini is easy and quick. It adds convenience to your meal prep! You can easily spice up the dish. Here are some ideas: - Red Pepper Flakes: Add more flakes for extra heat. Start with an extra half teaspoon. - Chili Powder: Try a small amount of chili powder in the garlic butter for warmth. - Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the finished dish for a kick. Adjust the spices to fit your taste. Enjoy your spicy garlic butter beef tortellini! Absolutely! This dish works great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Cook in Batches: Make a large batch to save time. Store portions in airtight containers. - Keep Sauces Separate: If you want the best texture, store the tortellini and sauce separately. - Refrigerate or Freeze: You can keep the meal in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for longer. Meal prepping garlic butter beef tortellini makes for easy, tasty meals throughout the week! This post covered a tasty tortellini dish, from ingredients to serving ideas. With fresh beef tortellini, garlic butter, and colorful veggies, you can create a delightful meal. Remember, you can easily tweak spice levels and substitute ingredients to fit your tastes. This recipe is also versatile; try vegetarian or vegan options. Storing leftovers properly allows you to enjoy this meal later. Cook, enjoy, and share this dish with friends or family. You now have all the tools to impress anyone at your table.

Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

A delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring beef tortellini tossed in a garlic butter sauce with cherry tomatoes and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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 red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the beef tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet and stir for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Incorporate the spinach leaves and cook for another minute until wilted.
  • Toss the drained tortellini into the skillet, mixing gently to coat them in the garlic butter and combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and give it one last gentle stir to combine.
  • Plate the tortellini and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword beef, garlic butter, pasta, tortellini