Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce Recipe

Hearty Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce Recipe

Creamy beef and parmesan tortellini dances between comfort and elegance on your plate.

Cheese-filled pasta spirals promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Tender beef adds rich, hearty notes to each delectable bite.

Luxurious sauce wraps around soft tortellini like a warm embrace.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients that create extraordinary meals.

Italian-inspired flavors merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish.

An easy weeknight dinner awaits you, ready to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients For Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich, meaty depth to the dish.
For the Pasta:
  • Tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets that add a delightful texture and help make the meal more substantial.
For the Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese: These ingredients create a luxurious, smooth sauce that coats the beef and pasta with creamy richness.
  • Butter: Adds a silky, rich foundation to the sauce and enhances overall flavor.
For the Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Dried Italian Herbs: Brings a classic and aromatic flavor profile to the beef.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the dish's overall taste.
For the Aromatics:
  • Garlic: Provides a pungent and flavorful base that adds depth to the beef mixture.
For the Cheese:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish that elevates the entire dish's flavor complexity.
For the Cooking Liquid and Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a perfect searing environment for the ground beef and provides a subtle background flavor.

Steps To Make Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Drop in ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until the meat develops a deep golden-brown color and no pink remains, stirring occasionally for about 7-8 minutes.

Step 2: Infuse with Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Stir quickly to prevent burning and release the garlic’s fragrant flavor.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Sprinkle the beef with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried Italian herbs

Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 4: Cook Tortellini

Simultaneously boil tortellini in a separate pot of salted water. Cook until the pasta floats and becomes tender, typically 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Lower skillet temperature and add butter, letting it melt completely. Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Cream cheese

Whisk continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Drain tortellini and gently fold into the creamy beef mixture. Ensure each pasta piece is generously coated with sauce.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touch

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Stir to incorporate and create an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows flavors to meld together. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting meal.

Pro Tips For Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce

  • Boost Beef Flavor: Select high-quality ground beef with slightly higher fat content for maximum taste and juiciness.
  • Prevent Tortellini Sticking: Stir tortellini gently during boiling and rinse with cold water immediately after cooking to maintain perfect texture.
  • Master Sauce Consistency: Whisk cream and cream cheese slowly and steadily to avoid lumps and achieve a silky smooth sauce.
  • Control Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust salt levels gradually, remembering Parmesan cheese adds additional saltiness to the final dish.
  • Handle Dairy Gently: Keep heat low when adding cream to prevent separation and maintain a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Tasty Twists On Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce

  • Low-Carb Tortellini Twist: Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option that maintains the creamy beef flavor.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or crumbled firm tofu, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking technique for a meatless version.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free, creating an inclusive meal for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Enhance the dish by replacing Italian herbs with fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary, adding a bright, aromatic Mediterranean-inspired profile to the creamy beef mixture.

What To Serve With Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce

  • Pair Creamy Beef Tortellini with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the creamy sauce with its tannic structure.
  • Refresh with Crisp Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and add a zesty, bright counterpoint to the creamy beef.
  • Enhance with Garlic Bread: Serve crusty, herbed garlic bread alongside the tortellini to soak up the luxurious sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast.
  • Cleanse Palate with Sparkling Water: Pair with chilled sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber to help reset the taste buds between bites of the decadent pasta.

How To Store Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Package the cooled tortellini beef mixture in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs About Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce

  • What makes the tortellini and beef combination work so well?

The hearty beef complements the delicate pasta, creating a balanced blend of rich meat and soft tortellini that satisfies both protein and carbohydrate cravings in one comforting dish.

  • Can I use different types of tortellini for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini works best, you can experiment with meat-filled or spinach tortellini to customize the flavor profile while maintaining the recipe’s core technique.

  • Is this dish considered a complete meal?

Yes, this recipe provides a well-rounded meal with protein from beef, carbohydrates from tortellini, and a creamy sauce that makes it filling and satisfying without requiring additional side dishes.

Why Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce Is Pure Comfort

  • Savor Speedy Satisfaction: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal in minimal kitchen time, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious comfort food without spending hours preparing.
  • Master Minimal Cooking Skills: Beginners can confidently tackle this dish with straightforward techniques like browning beef and creating a creamy sauce, making it an excellent learning experience for novice chefs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Classic: Packed with rich flavors of beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies even picky eaters with its irresistible combination of ingredients.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, this tortellini beef dish offers a flexible option that works for multiple dining scenarios and hunger levels.
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Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce Recipe

Beef & Parmesan Tortellini In Creamy Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

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

Description

Savory beef & parmesan tortellini in creamy sauce delivers Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Rich pasta pockets nestled in silky sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb beef, ground
  • 0.5 lb tortellini, parmesan cheese-filled

Dairy and Sauce Components:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 0.25 cup butter
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp italian herbs, dried
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, warming the olive oil until it shimmers with culinary promise.
  2. Introduce the ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it into crumbly fragments and searing until a rich, golden-brown crust develops and no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and incorporate minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and allow the aromatics to release their fragrant essence.
  4. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs over the beef, thoroughly integrating the seasonings for a robust flavor profile.
  5. While the beef simmers, simultaneously prepare the tortellini in a separate pot of vigorously boiling salted water, cooking until they float and achieve a tender, al dente texture, roughly 4-5 minutes.
  6. In the beef skillet, lower the temperature and introduce butter, allowing it to melt and create a silky foundation for the upcoming sauce.
  7. Pour heavy cream and cream cheese into the skillet, whisking continuously to forge a smooth, luxurious sauce that envelops the beef.
  8. Gently fold the drained tortellini into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring each pasta pillow is generously coated with the rich sauce.
  9. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring to integrate and create a final layer of decadent, cheesy complexity.
  10. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize before serving hot.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Drain excess beef fat after cooking to create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
  • Swap regular tortellini with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary accommodations.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish’s brightness and add a vibrant finishing touch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 705
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 876 mg
  • Fat: 54 g
  • Saturated Fat: 28 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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