Savory Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce Recipe

Craving a hearty beef and parmesan tortellini that promises pure comfort?

Pasta lovers understand the magic of perfectly crafted dishes that warm both stomach and soul.

Tender pasta pillows packed with savory beef create an irresistible meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Kitchen experiments often lead to remarkable discoveries, especially when combining classic ingredients with unexpected techniques.

Rich parmesan whispers depth into every delectable bite, promising satisfaction beyond simple hunger.

Creamy sauce envelops each tortellini with luxurious smoothness, making this recipe a delightful adventure for anyone seeking deliciousness.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular dinner that will become your new favorite weeknight go-to.

Why Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce Is So Satisfying

• Conquer Quick Comfort Food: A hearty one-pan meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.
• Create Minimal Kitchen Mess: Single skillet preparation means less cleanup and more enjoyment after your delicious meal.
• Master Restaurant-Quality Taste: Creamy parmesan sauce and perfectly browned beef deliver restaurant-style flavors right in your own kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for chicken or add extra vegetables to personalize this adaptable pasta dish according to your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need For This Tortellini Dish

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds robust flavor and substance to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese Tortellini: Pasta pockets filled with cheese that serve as the primary carbohydrate base of the recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
• Milk: Helps to thin and smooth out the cream sauce for perfect consistency.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that build depth and complexity in the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds color and fresh taste.

• Olive Oil: Provides the initial cooking medium for browning beef and sautéing garlic with a subtle, rich flavor.

How To Cook Beef & Parmesan Tortellini Perfectly

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Vigorously cook ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until completely browned and no pink remains. Transfer beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until wonderfully fragrant, being careful not to burn.

Step 3: Develop Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet. Stir continuously to create a smooth, silky sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Cheese Goodness

Gradually whisk in half of the parmesan cheese, ensuring a luxurious, lump-free consistency.

Step 5: Season and Enhance Flavors

Sprinkle salt and black pepper into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Step 6: Introduce Tortellini

Add parmesan cheese tortellini directly into the creamy sauce. Gently stir to coat each pasta piece evenly, allowing them to soak up the rich flavors.

Step 7: Combine Beef and Pasta

Return the browned beef to the skillet. Mix thoroughly to integrate all components and warm the meat completely.

Step 8: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing tortellini to become tender and absorb the delicious sauce.

Step 9: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a bright, herbaceous touch. Top with remaining grated parmesan cheese to create a mouthwatering, melty layer of flavor.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the skillet meal immediately, savoring the creamy, cheesy, meaty goodness of this irresistible dish.

Tips For A Rich, Creamy Tortellini Sauce

• Prevent Beef Burning: Brown ground beef over medium-high heat, constantly breaking into small crumbles to ensure even cooking without scorching.
• Manage Garlic Carefully: Sauté minced garlic briefly (30-45 seconds) to release aroma without burning, which can create an unpleasant bitter taste.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk parmesan cheese gradually into cream mixture to maintain a smooth, silky texture without lumps.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow tortellini to simmer in sauce for 3-4 minutes, enabling pasta to absorb rich, creamy flavors and become perfectly tender.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese just before serving to add brightness and a final flavor boost.

Tasty Ways To Change Up This Pasta

• Vegetarian Ground Beef Alternative: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains protein content and hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap parmesan cheese tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or zucchini noodles to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute tortellini with cauliflower florets or shirataki noodles, using heavy cream and adding extra cheese to boost fat content for ketogenic requirements.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of parmesan, and unsweetened almond milk to create a dairy-free creamy sauce while preserving rich flavor profile.

Pairings That Go Well With Beef & Parmesan Tortellini

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, creamy beef tortellini and cut through its heavy texture.
• Crisp Side Salad Balance: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast against the rich, creamy pasta dish and cleanse the palate.
• Garlic Herb Breadsticks: Serve warm, crusty breadsticks seasoned with garlic and herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and add a complementary texture to the meal.
• Fresh Herb Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or chives on top to add brightness and a subtle herbal note that elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How To Store This Creamy Tortellini Without Drying It Out

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months. Remove air pockets before sealing.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce from separating.

Beef & Parmesan Tortellini FAQs Answered

• What type of tortellini works best in this recipe?

Parmesan cheese tortellini is recommended, but you can also use cheese or beef-filled tortellini as alternatives that will complement the creamy sauce.

• Can I make this dish less fatty?

Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, lean ground beef, and reduce the amount of parmesan cheese to cut down on calories while maintaining flavor.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this tortellini can be refrigerated for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore sauce consistency.

• How can I enhance the protein content?

Add grilled chicken, sliced Italian sausage, or sautéed shrimp to increase protein without significantly changing the recipe’s core flavor profile.

Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty beef & parmesan tortellini nestles in a luxurious creamy sauce, delivering Italian comfort straight to your plate. Elegant yet simple, this dish promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

meat and pasta:

• 1 lb beef, ground
• 16 oz tortellini, parmesan cheese filled
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated

sauce ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

seasoning and herbs:

• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then vigorously brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Remove browned beef from skillet, leaving behind flavorful drippings, and set meat aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn, which would create a bitter taste.
4. Pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy base, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Gradually incorporate half of the grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, whisking consistently to ensure a silky, lump-free consistency.
6. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste and creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
7. Add parmesan cheese tortellini directly into the creamy sauce, gently stirring to coat each pasta piece evenly and allow them to absorb the rich flavors.
8. Return the browned beef to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to integrate all components and warm the meat through.
9. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the tortellini to become tender and absorb the sauce.
10. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish just before serving, providing a bright, herbaceous garnish.
11. Finish by topping with remaining grated parmesan cheese, creating a delightful, melty layer of additional flavor.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
• Toast garlic briefly to enhance its nutty, aromatic qualities without risking a bitter burnt flavor.
• Experiment with alternative tortellini like spinach, cheese, or mushroom to suit different dietary preferences.
• Consider using half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter cream substitute for a less rich sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 682
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 705 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg