This Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together tender beef, savory Parmesan, and pillowy tortellini in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s a comforting meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Combines rich, creamy flavors with the hearty texture of beef and tortellini.
- Perfect as a one-pot meal, reducing cleanup time.
- Versatile and adaptable to your preferred ingredients.
- A surefire crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Tortellini (Beef or Parmesan-filled)
- Ground beef
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the tortellini: Boil tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make it creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, gently tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutrients.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a less rich sauce.
- Use cheese tortellini or spinach tortellini for different flavor combinations.
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat when adding cream and stir constantly to avoid curdling.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
You can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as substitutes for Parmesan.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the tortellini in advance. Store them separately and combine them when reheating.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, add a bit more grated Parmesan or simmer it longer to reduce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the cooked beef and tortellini separately.
What pairs well with this dish?
Serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and tortellini are typically a hit with kids.
Can I add more cheese?
Yes, feel free to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce is a delightful combination of rich flavors and comforting textures. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of hearty and creamy in every bite!
PrintBeef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce
This Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce is the ultimate comfort food! Tender beef, pillowy tortellini, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce come together in this easy one-pan dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a satisfying weekend treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- For the Tortellini and Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini:
Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Make the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer. - Combine:
Add the cooked beef and tortellini to the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. - Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Cook the Tortellini:
Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Make the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer. - Combine:
Add the cooked beef and tortellini to the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. - Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.